A Pilot Study Comparing Dimensional Alterations After Alveolar Ridge Preservation with Xenograft Versus Allograft

This single-center pilot randomized clinical trial compared ridge dimensional changes following alveolar ridge preservation (ARP) with allograft (AG) versus xenograft (XG) in non molar sites with buccal dehiscence defects. 12 patients (6 per group) needing a single rooted tooth extraction were included. After extraction, sockets were grafted with the assigned bone substitute, covered with an absorbable membrane and collagen matrix. Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans were taken at two time points: immediately post surgery and six months later. The need for additional bone augmentation at the time of implant placement was evaluated using implant planning software. Six months after ARP, AG demonstrated significantly better ridge width preservation (0.41 mm vs. 1.78 mm for XG, measured at 2 mm below the crest; p = 0.007). A trend favoring XG for better preservation of buccal and palatal/lingual ridge height was observed, though differences were not statistically significant (p = 0.11 and 0.58, respectively). Only one site (8.3%), from the AG group, required additional bone augmentation at implant placement. This pilot clinical trial suggests allograft and xenograft were both able to minimize dimensional changes when used for ARP in non-molar extraction sites with buccal dehiscence defect. Allograft may be more effective in minimizing ridge width reduction 2 mm from the crest while the xenograft appears to better preserve ridge height. Both bone graft materials are effective in reducing the need for additional bone augmentation; however, larger clinical studies are needed to confirm these findings.