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Radiographic assessment of impacted mandibular third molar sockets filled with composite xenogenic bone graft

¹ Department of Radiology and Stomatology, Bauru Dental School, São Paulo University, Al. Otávio Pinheiro Brizola 9-75, Bauru, SP, 17012-901, Brazil; ² Department of Surgery, Bauru Dental School, São Paulo University, Al. Otávio Pinheiro Brizola 9-75, Bauru, SP, 17012-901, Brazil; ³ Department of Biological Science, Bauru Dental School, São Paulo University, Al. Otávio Pinheiro Brizola 9-75, Bauru, SP, 17012-901, Brazil

*Correspondence to: Dr O Ferreira Junior, Department of Surgery, Bauru Dental School, São Paulo University, Al. Otávio Pinheiro Brizola 9-75, Bauru, SP, 17012-901, Brazil; Email: osnyfjr{at}fob.usp.br

Received 8 August 2005; revised 8 November 2005; accepted 25 November 2005

Objectives: The main purpose of this study was to evaluate the radiographic aspect of the healing of extraction sockets filled with a xenogenic graft material (Gent-tech^TM).

Methods: Thirty-nine patients ranging in age from 15 years to 25 years with bilateral impacted mandibular molars were chosen based on bilateral mandibular similarities. After tooth extraction, the socket was filled with the graft. The opposite site was left to heal naturally and served as a control. The experimental and control sites were chosen randomly. Bone density and crest healing were evaluated on digital radiographs taken immediately, 2 months and 6 months after surgery. The respective pixels values obtained with the Digora software were compared statistically.

Results: The results showed a significant decrease in the distance from the cemento-enamel junction to the alveolar bone crest, but no difference was found between the control and experimental groups. Bone density increased significantly, and there was difference between experimental and control groups.

Conclusion: The analysed parameters observed by the authors were similar to those of the control group, suggesting xenogenic graft being an acceptable material and a graft option.

Keywords: third molars; bone grafting; xenogenic bone; digital direct radiography