The relationship between facial bone wall defects and dimensional alterations of the ridge following flapless tooth extraction in the anterior maxilla

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the relationship between defects of the facial socket wall at extraction and dimensional changes 8 weeks later in maxillary central and lateral incisor sockets. Materials and methods: A total of 34 consecutive patients requiring single tooth implants in the anterior maxilla (27 central and 7 lateral incisors) were evaluated. Orofacial external ridge, bone dimensions and the location of the socket bone crest were measured at extraction and again 8.5 ± 2.91 weeks later. The status of the facial bone wall was recorded at the same time points. Results: At extraction, 16 of 34 sites (47%) had intact facial bone. There were fenestration defects at 9 of 34 sites (26.5%) and deh..