Healing of augmented extraction sockets after 6 and 12 weeks

Purpose:In this present study new bone formation of fresh extraction socket after augmentation with Bio-Oss Collagen was analyzed after a healing period of 6 and 12 weeks using histomorphometry.

Material and Method: 31 patients, referred for extraction of decayed teeth, were included in this study. The extraction sockets were instrumented to eliminate all remnants of periodontal ligament tissue and showed no defect in extraction site. Each socket was grafted with Bio-Oss Collagen without flap management. After a 6 weeks- (16 patients-17 extraction sites) and 12 weeks- (15 patients-17 extraction sites) healing period, at implant placement, bone biopsy samples were obtained with a trephine bur. Histomorphometric evaluation using haematoxylin eosin, Masson's trichrome and Toluidine staining. Quantification of new bone formation, Bio Oss-remnants and connective tissue was performed using a digital imaging system (AxioVision, Zeiss). Statistic analyses was performed using the Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney test.

Results: After a 6-week healing period, the median percentage of new bone was 28%, 12 % for remaining BioOss-collagen particles and 55% for the connective tissue. After a 12-week healing period, the median percentage part of new bone formation was 25%, and the percentage of remaining BioOss-collagen particles and the connective tissue 15% and 60% respectively.

Conclusion:These results encourage an early onset of implant placement after a healing period of 6 weeks.