Evaluation of bio-ceramics in post-extraction site

Objectives: Extraction socket wound healing is characterized byresorption of the alveolar bone at the extraction site.The aim of this study is to investigate the clinical, radiographic,histological and histomorphometric effects of hydroxyapatitebone substitute on post-extraction wound healing.Methods: A total of 30 patients, who were referred for nonsurgical extractions of mandibular canine or premolar, wereincluded in the study. The relevant pre-operative informationswere recorded for each patient, included age and gender ofthe patient, indications for extraction, and tooth/teeth removed.Extractions were performed under local anesthesia with dentalforceps, elevators, or both. Patients were divided in 3 groups andevaluated at 4−8 and 12 months. A core of bone 3.5−12mm wasobtained from each patient.Results: Clinical evaluation: there was a good tissue integrationof the biomaterial; healing was uneventful in 30 alveoli (100%)and no healing complications were recorded.Radiographic evaluation: the hydroxyapatite showed a radioopacitysimilar to the surrounding bone.Histological evaluation: hydroxyapatite particle were observedin all specimens. Newly formed bone was characterized byabundance of cellular woven type bone in the coronal area whilelamellar arrangements could be identified only in the more apicalregion. New vital bone adhered to particles of residual graftmaterial.Histomorphometric evaluation: increase of mean bone tissue areaalong the histological sections were observed. Connective tissuefraction decrease from the crestal to the apical region.Conclusions: Hydroxyapatite bone substitute is an appropriatebiocompatible bone derivative in fresh extraction sockets for ridgepreservation.