The influence of deproteinised bovine bone mineral on dimensional changes in the maxillary second incisor socket.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the dimensional changes following the extraction of maxillary second incisors and to evaluate the influence of deproteinised bovine bone mineral on the healing outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The second maxillary incisors in nine dogs were extracted bilaterally in a minimally traumatic manner. Deproteinised bovine bone mineral with collagen (DBBMC) and a collagen matrix (CM) was placed in one socket with the contralateral socket left to heal naturally. After 3 months of healing, the dogs were sacrificed and the pre-maxilla resected. Cone beam computerised tomography scans (CBCTs) were obtained and the specimens prepared for histological preparation and analysis. Surface scans of study models taken pre- and post-extraction were digitally subtracted to analyse volumetric changes. RESULTS: All dogs healed uneventfully without any complications. No inflammation was seen, and DBBMC was well integrated into a network of mineralised tissues, bone marrow and connective tissue. The horizontal width of the buccal crest was found to be significantly greater in grafted sockets, but the vertical height to be similar. No significant difference was seen in regard to volumetric changes in sockets over 3 months post-extraction. CONCLUSION: Maxillary second incisor sockets of dogs grafted with DBBMC post-extraction had significantly greater horizontal width at the ridge crest compared with ungrafted sockets. Volumetric analysis revealed no significant difference between grafted and non-grafted sockets, suggesting possible soft tissue thickening post-extraction to counteract osseous resorption.