Extraction Site Management Using a Natural Bone Mineral Containing Collagen: Rationale and Retrospective Case Study

Socket or ridge preservation is performed to maintain the contour of the alveolar ridge prior to conventional or implant-based prosthetic therapy. In this retrospective analysis of consecutive subjects, a natural bone mineral containing collagen was grafted into 110 sockets in 62 patients. The sites were left open to heal. Based on external measurements with a periodontal probe, the soft tissue volume and contour were largely preserved at all sites, irrespective of the initial defect morphology. Clinical advantages of this protocol include predictable preservation of the soft tissues, favorable healing characteristics, and easy handling of the material.