Ridge preservation: does it actually work?

Abstract

Post-extraction the alveolus undergoes modelling which reduces height and width. This may present a problem for subsequent crown and bridge or implant therapy. Ridge preservation is the use of grafts and/or membranes to try to minimize the loss of the alveolar ridge. Extraction sockets have been filled with autogenous, allogenic and alloplastic materials. Membranes or soft tissue were used to contain the graft. More recently biodegradable sponges and materials coated in growth factors have been tested. Studies have primarily looked at either maintenance of vertical and horizontal dimensions or the healing of the socket and how much of the graft material is incorporated into the newly formed ..