Objective: This study aims to evaluate the effect of dentoalveolar distraction extraction (DDE) on site preservation, and to evaluate how the technique keeps the height and width of alveolar bones to a greater extent.
Methods: 12 beagle dogs, randomly divided into three groups (DDE group, NH group, BOG group), were used. In the dogs of three groups, the root of the left or right third mandibular premolars were respectively extracted by three methods namely, DDE, traditional extraction with natural healing, and traditional extraction with Bio-Oss bone dust implanted and guided bone regeneration (GBR). Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans and X-rays were taken immediately and three months after the tooth extraction. The height and width of the alveolar ridges were compared among different groups.
Results: Three months after tooth extraction, at the 1 mm level below the alveolar ridge crest, the amount and degree of buccal alveolar ridge width resorption in DDE group were significantly lower than that of NH and BOG group (P < 0.05). At the 2 mm and 3 mm level below the alveolar ridge crest, the amount and degree of buccal alveolar ridge width resorption in DDE group and BOG had no significant difference, and both were significant lower than that of NH group (P < 0.05). The height resorption of alveolar ridge in DDE group was significantly lower than NH and BOG groups (P < 0.05), while NH and BOG group had no statistically significant.
Conclusions: To a greater extent, the alveolar ridge preservation through DDE could preserve the height and width of alveolar ridge crest.
Keywords: Alveolar bone resorption; CBCT; alveolar ridge preservation; dentoalveolar distraction extraction.