Immediate Implant Loading After Ridge Preservation Using Autogenous Dentin Graft and Beta-Tricalcium Phosphate

Overview

This randomized controlled clinical trial aimed to evaluate the clinical, radiographic, and histological outcomes of immediate implant loading in extraction sockets preserved using autogenous mineralized dentin graft (AMDG), beta-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP), or no grafting. Twenty-two patients requiring extraction of maxillary premolars were enrolled, contributing a total of 27 extraction sites. Sites were randomly allocated into three groups: AMDG, β-TCP, or ungrafted control. Following socket preservation, dental implants were placed after a 6-month healing period and immediately loaded within 48 hours. Alveolar ridge dimensional changes were assessed using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) between implant placement and 2 years post-loading. Implant stability, peri-implant soft tissue health, and probing depths were evaluated at loading and during follow-up visits. Histological evaluation of regenerated bone was performed at the time of implant placement. The study sought to determine whether AMDG provides comparable or superior outcomes to β-TCP and ungrafted sockets in supporting immediate implant loading.

Immediate implant loading requires adequate primary stability and sufficient bone volume and quality. Ridge preservation techniques are therefore critical in maintaining post-extraction socket dimensions. Autogenous dentin grafts have recently gained attention due to their osteoconductive properties, biocompatibility, and cost-effectiveness. This study compares AMDG with a commonly used synthetic graft material (β-TCP) and ungrafted sockets to assess their influence on ridge preservation, implant stability, peri-implant tissue health, and bone quality under immediate loading conditions.