Bone regeneration at implants placed into extraction sockets of maxillary incisors in dogs

Aim To compare the influence of autologous or deproteinized bovine bone mineral as grafting material on healing of buccal dehiscence defects at implants installed immediately into the maxillary second incisor extraction socket in dogs. Material and methods In the maxillary second incisor sockets of 12 Labrador dogs, implants were installed immediately following tooth extraction. A standardized buccal defect was created and autologous bone particles or deproteinized bovine bone mineral were used to fill the defects. A collagen membrane was placed to cover the graft material, and the flaps were sutured to fully submerge the experimental areas. Six animals were sacrificed after 2 months, and six after 4 months of healing. Ground sections were obtained for histological evaluation. Results After 2 months of healing, all implants were osseointegrated. All buccal dehiscence defects were completely filled after 2 months irrespective of the augmentation material (autologous bone or Bio-Oss (R)) applied. Bone-to-implant contact (BIC) on the denuded implant surfaces was within a normal range of 30-40%. However, the newly formed tissue at 2 months was partially resorbed (> 50% of the area measurements) after 4 months. Conclusions Applying either autologous bone or deproteinized bovine bone mineral to dehiscences at implants installed immediately into extraction sockets resulted in high degree of regeneration of the defects with satisfactory BIC on the denuded implant surface. To cite this article:De Santis E, Botticelli D, Pantani F, Pereira FP, Beolchini M, Lang NP. Bone regeneration at implants placed into extraction sockets of maxillary incisors in dogs.Clin. Oral Impl. Res. 22, 2011; 430-437.