Alveolar bone preservation in extraction sockets using non-resorbable dPTFE membranes: A retrospective non-randomized study

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical regeneration of extraction sockets using high-density polytetrafluoroethylene (dPTFE) membranes without the use of a graft material. Methods: A total of 276 extraction sockets were evaluated in 276 subjects (151 males and 125 females; mean age, 50.2 years; age range: 24 to 73 years). After extraction, flaps were elevated and a dPTFE membrane was placed over the extraction site. The flaps were repositioned and sutured into place. Primary closure was not obtained over the membranes. The cemento-enamel junctions of the adjacent teeth were used as reference points. Measurements were taken postextraction and 12 months after surgery in the same areas with the help of a stent and were defined as the distance from the reference points to the bone level. Hard tissue biopsies were taken from 10 representative cases during implant placement 12 months after socket preservation. The bone core samples were submitted for histologic evaluation. A stringent plaquecontrol regimen was enforced in all subjects during the 12-month observation period. Results: A significant regeneration of the volume of sockets could be noted by histologic evaluation, indicating that the newly formed tissue in extraction sites wasmainly bone. No influence of gender, smoking, age, or clinical bone level before treatment was found on the percentage of bone gain. Conclusion: The use of dPTFE membranes predictably led to the preservation of soft and hard tissue in extraction sites.