Comparison of dPTFE and FGG for socket bone augmentation: A clinical and histological study

Prevention of ridge collapse following extraction of maxillary anterior teeth is imperative for esthetic and functional restorative results. Several regenerative techniques are available and are used for socket preservation. The aim of this study was to assess extraction socket healing and alveolar ridge alteration after socket augmentation using bone allograft covered with dense polytetrafluoroethylene (dPTFE) membrane compared to free gingival graft (FGG). Twenty non-smoking healthy subjects were selected for this blind randomized clinical trial. Horizontal and vertical alveolar ridge and socket depth dimensions were determined، immediately after tooth extraction. The samples were randomly divided into two groups in which the extraction sites were filled with either a partial demineralized bone allograft that was covered with dPTFE membrane or FGG. Final measurements were taken after 4 months at which time، implants were also placed in. Trephine core biopsies were harvested for histological analysis prior to implant placement. Paired t test and t-test were used for statistical analysis. The alveolar ridge width in dPTFE group was 8. 31±1. 41 mm prior to the insertion of implants and 5. 30±1. 86 mm after the implant placement (P=0. 006). These measurement were 7. 63±1. 54 and 4. 88±1. 87 mm in FGG group prior and after the implant placement. (P =0. 000) There was a greater reduction in bucco-linguel width of the ridge in dPTFE group compared to FGG group. However، the difference was not statistically significant. (P=0. 6) The bone regeneration and resorption were similar in the two group and no statistically significant different was seen. (P=0. 2)، (P=0. 3) There is no different between the two treatment modalities in terms of bone resorption and regeneration. Both dPTFE and FGG techniques indicate similar effects in socket bone preservation in a 4 month follow up.