PRESERVATION OF ALVEOLAR BONE IN EXTRACTION SOCKETS USING BIOABSORBABLE MEMBRANES

THE PURPOSE OF THIS STUDY was to evaluate the clinical effectiveness o f a bioabsorbable membrane made of glycolide and lactide polymers in p reserving alveolar ridges following tooth extraction using a surgical technique based on the principles of guided bone regeneration. Sixteen patients requiring extractions of 2 anterior teeth or bicuspids parti cipated in the study (split-mouth design). Following elevation of bucc al and lingual full-thickness flaps and extraction of teeth, experimen tal sites were covered with bioabsorbable membranes; control sites did not receive any membrane. Titanium pins served as fixed reference poi nts for measurements. Flaps were advanced in order to achieve primary closure of the surgical wound. No membrane became exposed in the cours e of healing. Reentry surgeries were performed at 6 months. Results sh owed that experimental sites presented with significantly less loss of alveolar bone height, more internal socket bone fill, and less horizo ntal resorption of the alveolar: bone ridge. This study suggests that treatment of extraction sockets with membranes made of glycolide and l actide polymers is valuable in preserving alveolar bone in extraction sockets and preventing alveolar ridge defects.