Healing of human extraction sockets filled with Bio-Oss®

The aim of this study was to investigate the healing of human extraction sockets filled with Bio-Oss(R) particles (Geistlich Pharma AG, Wolhusen, Switzerland). In 21 subjects, providing a total of 31 healing sites, at least one tooth was scheduled for extraction and the extraction sites for implant therapy. The dimensions of the alveolar ridge at the extraction sites were considered insufficient and required augmentation concomitant with tooth extraction. There were three treatment groups. In group A, the extraction sockets were covered with a Bio-Gide(R) membrane (Geistlich Pharma AG) and in group B the extraction sockets were filled with Bio-Oss(R). The extraction sockets in group C were left to heal spontaneously. Biopsies from the extraction sites were collected at the time of implant installation. Samples from group A showed large amounts of lamellar bone and bone marrow and small proportions of woven bone. Sites grafted with Bio-Oss(R) (group B) were comprised of connective tissue and small amounts of newly formed bone surrounding the graft particles. Only 40% of the circumference of the Bio-Oss(R) particles was in contact with woven bone. Sites from group C were characterized by the presence of mineralized bone and bone marrow.