Autogenous dentin graft versus alloplastic graft combined with socket shield for pre-implant socket preservation: a split-mouth randomized clinical trial

After tooth extraction, alveolar bone resorption and labial bone plate thinning occur due to the lack of periodontal ligaments. The socket shield method was developed to preserve the alveolar ridge. A split-mouth study was performed in which eight patients were treated using alloplast with socket shield on one side (alloplast group, control) and autogenous dentin graft with socket shield on the contralateral side (dentin group, test). After 3 months, a trephine bone core was collected from all sites and evaluated by histological, histomorphometric, and radiographic analysis. Thin bony trabeculae were formed surrounding the residual alloplast, while thicker trabeculae of bone formed and fused to the autogenous dentin. The percentage of newly formed bone was significantly higher in the dentin group when compared to the alloplast group (P = 0.020). Radiographically, there was no significant difference in the mean percentage increase in bone density from preoperative to post-grafting between the two groups. Moreover, when comparing the change in labial bone level from preoperative to 3 months post-grafting between the two groups, there was no significant difference. The autogenous dentin graft combined with socket shield could be a promising technique for socket preservation.