Demineralized Bone Matrix in Extraction Sockets: A Clinical and Histologic Case Series

Purpose: To evaluate its efficacy and predictability in immediate extraction sockets, this case series used demineralized bone matrix in a puttylike carrier (DBM putty) with and without mineralized bone chips. Each preparation was made from the long bones of the same tissue donor; the only excipient material was water. Material and Methods: A single failing tooth was atraumatically extracted from each study subject, and the socket was debrided. Intact sockets were grafted with DBM putty (n = 6), and sockets with buccal defects were grafted with DBM putty with bone chips (n = 6). A bovine pericardium membrane was draped over the graft site, and tension-free primary closure was obtained. After 6 months of healing, a trephine biopsy was taken from the center of each graft, and then, a dental implant was placed. Two subjects were withdrawn, and histologic data could not be obtained from 2 other patients. Results: Mean new bone fill was 40.28% for DBM putty (n = 5) and 44.60% for DBM putty with bone chips (n = 4). Conclusions: Both preparations maintained ridge dimensions and, despite ongoing bone turnover, produced adequate mineralized tissue that enabled implant placement at 6 months. This finding warrants further research. (Implant Dent 2013;22:120-126)