Ridge Preservation Following Tooth Extraction Using an Absorbable Gelatin Sponge

It is well-known that the alveolar bone collapses after extraction and that the reduction in width may be approximately 50 % of the original dimension after 12 months due to the pronounced resorption of the buccal wall. Socket grafting offers a predictable, simple way to conserve the buccolingual and mesiodistal dimensions of the future implant site, and various bone-grafting materials using various techniques have shown promising results .The rationale for socket augmentation at the time of extraction involves reducing   crestal bone loss, encouraging socket filling, minimizing horizontal ridge resorption, and ultimately reducing or eliminating the need for further ridge augmentation. In this report, an absorbable gelatin sponge was used in the socket preservation procedure and the patient was later treated with dental implantation using the flapless approach.

A 47-year-old male patient visited the dental clinic for evaluation of the lower right molar area. The patient had a non-contributory medical history. Clinical and radiographic examination indicated that the right mandibular second premolar was hopeless and that the mandibular first and second molars were missing

A detailed explanation concerning the present state, treatment plans, and procedures was given to the patient, and informed consent was obtained. Dental implantation was planned after consultation.

The patient rinsed for two minutes with a 0.12 % chlorhexidine digluconate solution (Hexamedine, Bukwang, Seoul, Korea immediately before the surgery. Following an injection of 2 % lidocaine with 1:100,000 epinephrine local anesthetic, a full thickness flap was reflected and two implants were placed in the molar region. A: Initial clinical occlusal photograph. B: Initial lingual view. C: Preoperative radiograph showing apically involved lower right second premolar.