Influence of bioactive glass on changes in alveolar process dimensions after exodontia

Background. Preservation of the alveolar process after tooth extraction is desirable because it facilitates placement of endosseous implants and minim izes adverse esthetic results associated with fixed partial dentures. The p urpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical effectiveness of bioactiv e glass used as a graft material combined with calcium sulfate used in the form of a mechanical barrier in preserving alveolar ridges after tooth extr action. Methods. Sixteen patients who required extraction of 2 anterior teeth or bi cuspids participated in the study (split mouth design). After tooth extract ion and elevation of a buccal full-thickness flap, experimental sockets wer e filled with bioactive glass, which in turn was covered with a layer of ca lcium sulfate. Control sites did not receive any graft or calcium sulfate. Titanium pins served as fixed reference points for measurements. No attempt was made to advance the flap to cover the socket areas on control or exper imental sites (open socket approach). Reentry surgeries were performed at 6 months. Results, Reentry surgeries showed that experimental sites presented with (1 ) significantly more internal socket bone fill (6.43 +/- 2.78 mm vs 4.00 +/ - 2.33 mm on control sites), (2) less (although not statistically significa ntly less) resorption of alveolar bone height (0.38 +/- 3.18 mm vs 1.00 +/- 2.25 mm on control sites), and (3) similar degree of horizontal resorption of the alveolar bony ridge as compared with controls (3.48 +/- 2.68 mm vs 3.06 +/- 2.41 mm on control sites). Conclusions. This study suggests that treatment of extraction sockets with a combination of bioactive glass and calcium sulfate is of some benefit in preserving alveolar ridge dimensions after tooth extraction.