Ridge preservation using a new 3D collagen matrix: a preclinical study.

Objectives: The success of ridge preservation techniques in reducing bone resorption is well documented, but no clear guidelines have been provided regarding the type of the biomaterial or technique to be used. This experimental animal study aimed at comparing the effectiveness of two ridge preservation techniques.

Materials And Methods: Following the extraction of the distal roots of the mandibular second and fourth premolars of four dogs, the sockets were preserved using a combination of a collagen membrane intimately covering the socket plus a collagen matrix or a collagen membrane alone. The mandibular quadrants were randomly assigned to one of the treatment groups. Histomorphometrical analyses as well as microscopic observations were performed.

Results: After 5 months of healing, the histological analysis revealed a similar picture of bone formation in both groups. No significant differences between the buccal and lingual dimensions were calculated between the two treatment groups. The mucosa covering the alveolar ridges is significantly more abundant in post-extraction sockets preserved with the double-layered approach.

Conclusions: The double-layered approach used to treat post-extraction sockets may result in a better preservation of the mucosal seal than the single-layered approach.

Clinical Relevance: The use of the new collagen matrix associated with a collagen membrane could be a clinical option to preserve post-extraction ridges, especially when an improvement in soft tissue dimension and quality is desired. However, the cost-benefit ratio of this approach should be thoroughly evaluated in further studies.