Abstract
In untreated extraction sockets, buccal bone remodeling compromises the alveolar ridge width. The aim of this study was to histologically assess the efficacy of using a dual layer of membranes (high-density polytetrafluoroethylene [dPTFE] placed over collagen) for ridge preservation in fresh extraction sites. Eight beagle dogs were used. After endodontic treatment of mandibular bilateral second (P2), third (P3), and fourth (P4) premolars, mandibular bilateral first premolars and distal roots of P2, P3, and P4 were extracted atraumatically. Animals were randomly divided into 4 treatment groups. group 1, the control group, received no treatment; in group 2, allograft was placed in the alveolum and the socket covered with dPTFE membrane; in group 3, allograft was placed in the alveolum, the buccal plate was overbuilt with allograft, and the socket was covered with dPTFE membrane; in group 4, allograft was placed in the alveolum and covered with dual layer of membranes (dPTFE placed over collagen). No intent of primary closure was performed for all groups. After 16 weeks, the animals were sacrificed and mandibular blocks were assessed histologically for buccolingual width of alveolar ridge, percentage of bone formation and bone marrow spaces, and the remaining bone particles. The buccolingual width of the alveolar ridge was significantly higher among sockets in group 4 than in group 1 (P < .05). the amount of newly formed bone in each socket was higher in extraction sockets in group 4 than in groups 1, 2, and 3 (P < .001). A significant difference was found in the percentage of bone marrow spaces among all groups (P < .001). No significant difference was found in the number of nonresorbed bone particles among the groups. Using a dual layer of membrane was more effective in ridge preservation than conventional socket augmentation protocols.