Ridge preservation of compromised extraction sockets applying a soft cortical membrane: A canine proof-of-principle evaluation.

OBJECTIVES: To explore whether placement of a soft cortical membrane can restore and regenerate the original alveolar ridge contour in deficient sockets. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One Beagle dog was used in this proof-of-principle evaluation. In a first intervention, a standardized buccal dehiscence defect was artificially created at the distal roots of the 3rd and 4th mandibular premolars. Four weeks later, following endodontic treatment of the mesial roots, teeth were hemisected and the distal roots were extracted without raising a flap. A cortical membrane (Lamina®, Osteobiol) was placed outside of the bony envelope of the extraction socket to rebuild the buccal bone contour. Afterwards, sockets were filled with a collagen-modified porcine bone graft material (Gen-Os®, Osteobiol) to the level of the surrounding bone height. The socket orifice was closed with a porcine dermal matrix (Derma®). After four months, block specimens containing the socket-sites and remaining roots were retrieved, histologically processed and analyzed. RESULTS: Surgery and post-operative healing were uneventful. Histologically, bone formation under the membrane was found, i.e. bony protrusions and ossicles by osteoblasts could be identified. Concomitantly, the membrane showed clear signs of degradation. Bone substitute was well integrated in newly formed bone and resorption of particles was found. CONCLUSION: Three major observations were made in the present proof-of-principle study: (i) regeneration of a compromised socket seems possible when applying the presented approach, (ii) the soft cortical membrane was sufficiently stable to allow for the establishment of the contour and to inhibit soft tissue invasion and (iii) the applied xenogenic graft material was undergoing remodelling processes while allowing adequate bone regeneration.