Crestal Bone-Level Changes Around Implants Placed in Post-Extraction Sockets Augmented With Demineralized Freeze-Dried Bone Allograft: A Retrospective Radiographic Study

Background: There is limited information regarding marginal crestal bone level changes around implants placed in post-extraction sockets augmented with demineralized freeze-dried bone allograft (DFDBA). The aim of this study was to retrospectively compare bone-level changes around implants placed in post-extraction sockets augmented with DFDBA to implants placed in native bone. Methods: Records of 30 consecutive patients treated with dental implants placed in post-extraction sockets augmented with DFDBA and 30 consecutive patients with implants placed in native bone were reviewed. For each implant, the radiographs from the surgical appointment were compared to those from the last follow-up visit and evaluated regarding changes of marginal bone level over time. Results: The overall survival rate from baseline to the last follow-up visit was 100% for both groups. The mean marginal bone loss was 0.15 mm for both groups for a mean follow-up time of 12 months. There were no significant differences regarding the percentage of implants and implant surfaces demonstrating marginal bone loss. Conclusion: The present study indicates implants placed in post-extraction sockets augmented with DFDBA exhibited minimal marginal bone loss similar to implants placed in native bone. J Periodontol 2010;81:1441-1448.