Simple preservation of a maxillary extraction socket using beta-tricalcium phosphate with type I collagen: preliminary clinical and histomorphometric observations.

Alveolar atrophy following tooth extraction remains a challenge for future dental implant placement. Immediate implant placement and postextraction alveolar preservation are 2 methods that are used to prevent significant postextraction bone loss. In this article, we report the management of a maxillary tooth extraction socket using an alveolar preservation technique involving placement of a cone of beta-tricalcium phosphate (beta -TCP) combined with type I collagen without the use of barrier membranes or flap surgery. Clinical examination revealed solid new bone formation 9 months after the procedure. At the time of implant placement, histomorphometric analysis of the biopsied bone showed that it contained 62.6% mineralized bone, 21.1% bone marrow and 16.3% residual beta -TCP graft. The healed bone was able to support subsequent dental implant placement and loading.