Abstract
To evaluate the existing literature regarding the success rates of various surgical techniques and biomaterials for socket preservation in the aesthetic zone compared with normal healing after extraction.
The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) statement was used in this study. Web of Science, PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, and Cochrane Library were searched for articles published until December, 2019. Various socket preservation methods were used to compare with non-treatment groups. Meta-analysis and subgroup analysis were done to estimate the significance in different outcome measures.
The search yielded 410 articles. After selection according to the eligibility criteria, fourteen articles were included. Socket preservation techniques resulted in a reduction in vertical mid-buccal bone loss ranging from 0.39 mm to 3.88 mm and a reduction in horizontal bone loss ranging from 0.84 mm to 2 mm in comparison with normally healing extraction sockets in the aesthetic zone with an overall effect size which is statistically significant [−0.81], 95 % CI [−1.16, 0.46] p < 0.01. The horizontal and vertical changes induced by socket preservation using xenografts yielded an overall effect size which is also statistically significant. Soft tissue analysis regarding the efficacy of socket seal as well as dimensional alterations lack a significant conclusion.
Socket preservation is effective in reducing bone loss in the aesthetic region to a significant extent eliminating the need for additional bone grafting at the time of implant placement. This systematic review has given a conclusion that treatment is better than no intervention in the aesthetic regions.