Guided Bone Regeneration in Alveolar Socket

Following tooth extraction, volumetric changes in the soft and hard tissues of the extraction site are expected to occur with considerable resorption of the alveolar bone in both the vertical and the horizontal dimensions. These changes may complicate surgical implant placement and may also compromise the outcome of the prosthetic reconstruction. Various treatment approaches have been introduced aiming to preserve the dimensions of the alveolar ridge at the extraction site and facilitate optimal implant placement. This prospective randomized controlled trial aims to determine the efficacy of alveolar ridge preservation utilizing two different socket seal approaches compared to spontaneous healing to stabilize the blood clot within the postextraction socket. Thirty-six subjects will be randomly allocated into one of the three treatment groups. Group-A: Extraction of the tooth and suturing of the extraction socket with resorbable suture PGA 5/0. Group-B: Extraction of the tooth and placement of a Free Gingival Graft stabilized with resorbable suture PGA 5/0. Group-C: Extraction of the tooth and placement of the Polylactic-Glycolic Acid membrane stabilized with resorbable suture PGA 5/0. After the initial examination for screening, subjects will be assessed at baseline-extraction day- and after 1, 2, and 6 weeks, and 3 months. The changes of the alveolar crest will be determined in height and width, in addition to volumetric changes in the soft tissues, and the width of keratinized tissues. The wound healing process will be visually assessed.