Connective tissue grafts in conjunction with implants installed immediately into extraction sockets. An experimental study in dogs. Issue 1 (29th March 2012)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Caneva, Marco; Botticelli, Daniele; Viganò, Paolo; Morelli, Fabrizio; Rea, Massimiliano; Lang, Niklaus P.
• Is Part Of: Clinical oral implants research. Volume 24:Issue 1(2013:Jan.)
• Page Start: 50
• Page End: 56
• Publication Date: 2012-03-29
• Subjects: Dental implants -- Research -- Periodicals; 617.69
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0501.2012.02450.x
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0905-7161

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main" id="clr2450-abs-0001"> <title>Abstract</title> <sec id="clr2450-sec-0001" sec-type="section"> <title>Aim</title> <p>To evaluate the influence of a sub‐epithelial connective tissue graft placed at the buccal aspect of implants installed immediately after tooth extraction on the dimensional changes of hard and soft tissues.</p> </sec> <sec id="clr2450-sec-0002" sec-type="section"> <title>Materials and Methods</title> <p>In six Labrador dogs a bilateral partial‐ thickness dissection was made buccal to the second mandibular premolar. At the lingual aspect, full‐thickness flaps were elevated. The teeth were extracted and implants installed immediately into the distal socket. A connective tissue graft was obtained from the palate and applied to the buccal aspect of the test sites, whereas contra‐laterally, no graft was applied. The flaps were sutured to allow a non‐submerged installation. After 4 months of healing, the animals were sacrificed, ground sections were obtained and histomorphometric analyses were performed.</p> </sec> <sec id="clr2450-sec-0003" sec-type="section"> <title>Results</title> <p>After 4 months of healing, all implants were integrated (<italic>n</italic> = 6). Both at the test and at the control sites bone resorption occurred: 1.6 mm and 2.1 mm, respectively. The difference was not statistically significant. The coronal aspect of the peri‐implant soft tissue was wider and located more coronally at the test compared with the control sites. The differences were statistically significant.</p> </sec> <sec id="clr2450-sec-0004" sec-type="section"> <title>Conclusions</title> <p>The application of a connective tissue graft placed at the buccal aspect of the bony wall at implants installed immediately after tooth extraction yielded a minimal preservation of the hard tissues. The peri‐implant mucosa, however, was significantly thicker and more coronally positioned at the test compared with the control sites.</p> </sec> </abstract>