Influence of autoclavation on the efficacy of extracted tooth roots used for vertical alveolar ridge augmentation.

Objectives: To assess the influence of autoclavation on the efficacy of extracted tooth roots (TR) used for vertical alveolar ridge augmentation and two-stage osseointegration.

Material And Methods: Maxillary premolars were randomly assigned to either autoclavation (TR-A) or were left untreated (TR-C) and used as block grafts for vertical alveolar ridge augmentation in both lower quadrants (n = 4 beagle dogs). At 12 weeks, titanium implants were inserted and left to heal for 3 weeks.