Comparison of healing pattern with or without bone graft after odontogenic cyst enucleation

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Bone defects in the jaw are frequently observed after odontogenic cyst enucleation. The success of bone healing appears to be related to the size of the bone defect, the anatomical location, the patient's age and other parameters. The use of bone grafting material is dependent on the operator's preference. No evidence-based definite treatment protocol has been established. This study evaluated the effect of a bone graft into the defect after odontogenic cyst enucleation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 55 patients, who had been treated for an odontogenic cyst with cyst enucleation from 2000 to 2009 at the department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Samsung Medical Center, were included in this study. Patients who were followed-up for more than 1 year were included. Two groups were defined according to the bone graft (with or without a bone graft) after cyst enucleation. The differences in the healing periods and patterns of bone healing were compared clinically and radiologically. The postoperative 1 year radiographs were analyzed for bone healing and density. Statistical analysis was performed using a Pearson chi square test and Wilcoxon rank-sum test. RESULTS: More infection signs were observed in the bone graft group than in the other group, but there was no statistically significant difference. Radiographically, there was also no significant difference in the size of the radiolucent lesions between the two groups. CONCLUSION: There was no significant difference in healing between the groups with a bone graft and without bone graft after cyst enucleation.