Treatment of Post-Extraction Dehisced Socket - A Case Series Study

PURPOSE The purpose of this case series is to clinically, radiographically and histologically evaluate the treatment of dehiscence defects in extraction sockets using a minimally-invasive GBR technique that involves the application of a particulate bone allograft and a non-resorbable PTFE membrane. METHODS Subjects with single-rooted teeth indicated for extraction and interested in future implant therapy for tooth replacement will be recruited on the basis of an eligibility criteria. A buccal or lingual dehiscence defect must strongly be suspected or confirmed upon clinical examination in order for the subject to qualify for study inclusion. A cone-beam computer tomography (CBCT) scan of the arch containing the tooth to be extracted will be obtained prior to tooth extraction. Following minimally invasive tooth extraction and debridement, the socket will be evaluated to verify the presence of a dehiscence defect affecting at least 50% of the bony plate height. After creating a soft tissue 'pouch' using tunneling instruments, a non-absorbable dense-PTFE (dPTFE) barrier membrane that will be trimmed to a size and shape that would allow for complete extension over the existing defect will be tucked between the mucosa and the alveolar bone. Then, the extraction socket will be grafted with particulate allograft and the access to the socket will be sealed with an extension of the membrane and an external cross mattress suture. Subjects will be recalled at 1, 2 and 5 weeks to monitor healing and assess the level of discomfort using a visual analog scale at the end of each visit. At the 5-week visit, the membrane will be gently removed and the exposed area will be left to heal by secondary intention. At 20 weeks after tooth extraction a second CBCT will be obtained to radiographically evaluate the site for implant placement. Bone volumetric reconstructions of the alveolar ridge at baseline and at 20 weeks will be made using the CBCT data to assess changes affecting the bone housing. If the site has healed adequately, implant placement will be planned at 24 weeks after tooth extraction. A bone core biopsy will be obtained at the time of implant placement in order to histologically analyze the characteristics of the grafted substrate. Upon implant placement with primary stability a healing abutment will be placed and sutures will be given to achieve primary wound closure, as necessary. Subjects will return for the final study visit at 2 weeks following implant placement to evaluate the healing prior to being referred back to the restorative dentist.