Ridge dimensional changes following single-tooth extraction in the aesthetic zone.
OBJECTIVE
The aims of this study were to investigate the magnitude of the dimensional changes following extraction of a single tooth in the aesthetic zone over a 6- to 8-week healing period and to examine the degree and pattern of resorption of the buccal bone plate during this time frame.


METHODS
Twenty subjects who were to have a single tooth in the aesthetic zone extracted and replaced by an implant after a 6-8 week healing period were selected for this study. Hard and soft tissue measurements of the extraction site were obtained pre-extraction and were repeated 6-8 weeks post-extraction at defined points using a key.


RESULTS
After a 6- to 8-week healing period, the total ridge thickness in the crestal midline reduced by 15% of the original value. The buccal plate resorbed in an "inverted V shape". Forty-two percentage of subjects had lost 4 mm or more of buccal bone in the midpoint of the extraction socket.


CONCLUSIONS
After a 6- to 8-week healing period post-extraction, there were significant reductions in the hard and soft tissue dimensions of the ridge, most notably on the most coronal mid-buccal aspect. All implants placed required simultaneous augmentation as a result.
Periodontics, Melbourne Dental School, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Vic., Australia.
Mark
M
Farmer
Ivan
I
Darby
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D016301:Alveolar Bone Loss / Q000473:pathology*; D003758:Dental Implantation, Endosseous; D019250:Dental Implants, Single-Tooth; D004954:Esthetics; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D014081:Tooth Extraction; D020390:Tooth Socket / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000502:physiology
aesthetic zone; bone; buccal plate; extraction; healing; implants; ridge dimensions; soft tissue