Alveolar ridge preservation in periodontally compromised molars with buccal or lingual bone defects: A retrospective case series.

Background: Alveolar ridge preservation aims to limit alveolar resorption and promote bone formation after tooth extraction. However, evidence for its application in periodontally compromised molars with bone defects is limited.

Objective: The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate the radiographic and clinical outcomes of alveolar ridge preservation in periodontally compromised molars with buccal or lingual bone wall deficiencies.

Methods: This study included 65 participants. Radiographic measurements were made using cone beam computed tomography before extraction and at least 5 months after surgery. Factors influencing radiographic outcomes were analyzed, changes in keratinized tissue width assessed, and implant treatment outcomes evaluated. Paired t tests or Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were used to compare continuous variables before and after surgery. Linear regression analyses were conducted to identify influencing factors.

Results: Significant increases were observed in central bone height (Maxilla: +4.69 mm, P<.001; Mandible: +7.82 mm, P<.001) and ridge width at 1 mm (Maxilla: +5.46 mm, P<.001; Mandible: +5.91 mm, P<.001) and 3 mm (Maxilla: +5.55 mm, P<.001; Mandible: +4.70 mm, P<.001) from the higher alveolar crests after alveolar ridge preservation. The height of socket bone walls significantly influenced the radiographic outcomes. Adequate keratinized tissue width was maintained (5.70 ±2.00 mm). Implant placement without additional bone augmentation was feasible in 69.5% of participants, with only 6.5% requiring staged bone augmentation.

Conclusions: Alveolar ridge preservation in periodontally compromised molar extraction sites with buccal or lingual bone wall deficiencies created favorable hard and soft tissue conditions, thereby facilitating implant placement.