Tissue alterations after tooth extraction with and without surgical trauma: a volumetric study in the beagle dog

Objectives: The aim of this study is to evaluate whether tooth extraction without the elevation of a muco-periosteal flap has advantageous effects on the resorption rate after tooth extraction. Material and Methods: In five beagle dogs polyether impressions were taken before the surgery. The roots of the first and second pre-molars (P-1 and P-2) were extracted and the sites were assigned to one of the following treatments: treatment group (Tx) 1, no treatment; Tx 2, surgical trauma (flap elevation and repositioning); Tx 3, the extraction socket was filled with BioOss Collagen((R)) and closed with a free soft-tissue graft; Tx 4, after flap elevation and repositioning, the extraction socket was treated with BioOss Collagen((R)) and a free soft-tissue graft. Impressions were taken 2 and 4 months after surgery. The casts were scanned, matched together with baseline casts and evaluated with digital image analysis. Results: The "flapless groups" demonstrated significant lower resorption rates both when using socket-preservation techniques and without. Furthermore, socket-preservation techniques yielded better results compared with not treating the socket. Conclusion: The results demonstrate that leaving the periosteum in place decreases the resorption rate of the extraction socket. Furthermore, the treatment of the extraction socket with BioOss Collagen((R)) and a free gingival graft seems beneficial in limiting the resorption process after tooth extraction.