Introduction: Socket preservation is a procedure after tooth extraction to limit the post-extraction reduction of the ridge volume. Non-contact laser photocoagulation is a simple and atraumatic method used for socket sealing.
Objectives: Compare the effect of diode laser photocoagulation to the non-resorbable dense polytetraflouoroethylene (dPTFE) membrane on the bone dimensional changes.
Materials and methods: Thirty-six patients (n =18 for each group) with non-restorable maxillary anterior or premolar teeth were included in this study. After extraction, sites were grafted with deproteinized bovine bone xenograft and sealed either with laser photocoagulation or a non-resorbable dPTFE membrane. Measurements of the alveolar bone width were performed on cone beam computed tomographs, taken at the baseline before extraction and after 4 months.
Results: Both groups showed a reduction in bone width. At the crest, the mean amount of reduction was 0.69 (0.33) mm and 0.78 (0.15) mm for the laser and membrane groups, respectively. As for the middle third, less amount of reduction was observed by a mean of 0.56 (0.36) mm and 0.58 (0.18) mm for the laser and membrane groups, respectively. The least amount of reduction was in the apical third with a mean of 0.26 (0.36) mm and 0.41 (0.17) mm for the laser and membrane groups, respectively. However, this reduction in bone dimensions was insignificant between both groups.
Conclusion: The laser photocoagulation is as effective as the dPTFE membrane in sealing sockets after grafting.