Comparison of allografts and xenografts used for alveolar ridge preservation. A clinical and histomorphometric RCT in humans

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Several types of bone grafts are used in ridge preservation procedures.
PURPOSE: To compare the healing of allografts and xenografts applied for alveolar ridge preservation.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty volunteers in need of extraction of a single-rooted tooth prior to implant installation were randomized into two groups. One group received a deproteinized cancellous bovine bone xenograft embedded in a 10% collagen matrix and the other a demineralized freeze-dried cortical bone allograft. A collagen membrane was used to cover the grafts, flaps were sutured. At baseline and 6 months later, clinical measurements including vertical and horizontal bone dimensions were taken. Histomorphometric analysis was performed.
RESULTS: Both groups showed shrinkage of bone dimensions. At mesial, center and distal sites, the vertical changes in dimension were -0.6, 0.5, and -0.1 mm for the allograft and -1.1, -0.4, and -0.9 mm for the xenograft. The horizontal changes in dimensions were -1.4 mm for the allograft and -2.6 mm for the xenograft. New bone and residual graft material were 25.5 ± 10.1% and 33.8 ± 9.4% at the allograft and 35.3 ± 16.8% and 22.2 ± 13.4% at the xenograft sites. None of the differences was statistically significant.
CONCLUSION: Both grafting materials are suitable for the preservation of the alveolar ridge.