Mineralized Dentin Graft Versus Beta-Tricalcium Phosphate for Alveolar Ridge Preservation

From Tooth to Bone: Can Mineralized Dentin Graft Be a Viable Alternative to Beta-Tricalcium Phosphate for Alveolar Ridge Preservation? A Randomized Controlled Trial

The goal of this clinical trial was to compare three ways of helping the jawbone heal after removal of a tooth. The jawbone that supports a tooth is called the alveolar ridge. This bone can become narrower after a tooth is removed.

Participants were randomly assigned to one of three groups. One group received no bone graft material. One group received mineralized dentin graft made from the participant's extracted tooth. One group received beta-tricalcium phosphate, which is a synthetic bone graft material.

Participants had cone-beam computed tomography, a three-dimensional dental X-ray, immediately after tooth removal and again after 6 months. During dental implant placement at 6 months, researchers collected a small bone sample to examine healing.

After tooth extraction, the alveolar ridge undergoes natural remodeling that can reduce its width and affect future dental implant placement. Alveolar ridge preservation aims to limit these dimensional changes. This randomized controlled clinical trial compared autogenous mineralized dentin graft, beta-tricalcium phosphate, and healing without bone graft material following extraction of hopeless maxillary teeth.

Participants were randomly assigned in a 1:1:1 ratio to three groups. The control group received no bone graft material. The mineralized dentin graft group received graft particles prepared from the participant's extracted tooth. The beta-tricalcium phosphate group received a synthetic bone graft material.

Alveolar ridge width was measured using cone-beam computed tomography immediately after extraction and at 6 months.

During delayed dental implant placement at 6 months, a small bone-core sample was collected from each study site.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Aged 18 years or older.
• Clinical indication for extraction of a hopeless maxillary tooth.
• No evidence of acute infection at the intended extraction site.
• Willing and able to comply with the scheduled study visits and follow-up procedures.
• Provided written informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Systemic disorder known to impair bone metabolism.
• History of radiotherapy involving the head and neck region.
• Pregnancy or lactation.
• Advanced periodontal disease.