ALVEOLAR RIDGE PRESERVATION FOLLOWING EXTRACTION OF MAXILLARY ANTERIOR TEETH - REPORT ON 23 CONSECUTIVE CASES

THE PURPOSE OF THIS ARTICLE was to clinically evaluate the predictabil ity of a surgical procedure to preserve the alveolar ridge after extra cting maxillary anterior teeth with advanced bone loss. This procedure is indicated when a tooth-supported fixed partial denture will rehabi litate the area. Non-resorbable hydroxyapatite crystals are used as gr aft material and a rotated pediculated split thickness palatal flap co vers them. Twenty-three patients who were treated with this procedure were followed for 12 to 24 months. Results were predictable with minim al postoperative ridge deformation. Indications for this procedure are discussed.