For alveolar ridge preservation after extraction of a non-restorable maxillary non-molar tooth, will the use of Autogenous partially or completely demineralized dentin grafts result in similar ridge dimensions compared to Autogenous whole-tooth graft?

One inevitable consequence of tooth loss is alveolar ridge resorption, which is progressive, irreversible, chronic, and cumulative. For implant placement, adequate dimensions of the alveolar ride housing are essential for proper implant positioning to provide for both implant stability and esthetics. Various procedures have been developed to limit post-extraction dimensional alterations or to restore normal bone dimensions, among which is ridge preservation. Numerous materials have been introduced and compared, nevertheless the best option is yet to be determined. Autogenous bone remains the gold standard for bone grafting, however one cannot ignore its unavoidable drawbacks, with donor site morbidity and the need for additional surgery having the biggest impact, as well as the limited amount that can be harvested and the unpredictable resorption rate. Several other options have been introduced with the aim of overcoming these disadvantages.

promising results have been reported, and the use of autogenous tooth bone graft (ATBG) is gaining popularity, since this material has a structure that closely resembles bone, especially the dentin which is composed of similar inorganic and organic elements, and also has osteoinductive and osteoconductive capacity.

Some studies using mineralized dentin matrix have shown that the material possesses excellent biocompatibility but is less effective than bone derived products in bone formation. On the other hand, several basic animal studies have shown that completely demineralized dentin matrix to be not only biocompatible, but also osteo-inductive, similar to demineralized bone matrix. The degree of demineralization is critical for optimal dentin regeneration; the partially demineralized dentin matrix is thought to have optimal conditions for dentin regeneration. Partial demineralization results in the elimination of the major part of the mineral phase and immunogenic components while retaining a very low fraction of minerals (5-10 wt%), providing an osteoconductive and osteo-inductive scaffold containing several growth factors.

It is agreed upon that nowadays optimizing protocols of demineralization of dentin grafts is necessary for standardization and further studies are required to determine the most suitable conditions of demineralization and particle sizes of dentin grafts for clinical application in implant dentistry. Additionally, more research is required to investigate whether graft preparation in its simplest form is sufficient or whether enhancing the graft with demineralization will result in any clinical significance.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Non-molar maxillary teeth indicated for extraction.
• Extraction sockets having no more than 50% of buccal alveolar bone loss were included.
• Patients at least 18 years or older
• Motivated patients, agree to sign informed consent and complete the follow-up period

Exclusion Criteria:

• Infection at the extraction site
• Smokers
• Patients undergoing or having history of radiotherapy, chemotherapy or bisphosphonate therapy.
• Systemic conditions that may compromise healing or bone metabolism (e.g., uncontrolled diabetes, hyperthyroidism).
• Females that are pregnant or are planning to get pregnant during the study course.

• Blinding of the operator is not applicable.
• Participants, outcome assessors and biostatistician will be blinded.