The effect of permanent grafting materials on the preservation of the buccal bone plate after tooth extraction: an experimental study in the dog

Objectives: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of a novel bone substitute system (Natix®), consisting of porous titanium granules (PTG) and a bovine-derived xenograft (Bio-Oss®), on hard tissue remodelling following their placement into fresh extraction sockets in dogs. Material and methods: Six modalities were tested; Natix® granules with and without a covering double-layered Bio Gide® membrane; Bio-Oss® with and without a covering double-layered Bio Gide® membrane; and a socket left empty with and without a covering double-layered Bio Gide® membrane. Linear measurements, indicative of buccal bone height loss, and an area measurement indicative of buccal bulk bone loss were made. The statistical analysis was based on the Latin Square design with two blocking factors (dog and site). Tukey's post hoc test was used to adjust for multiple comparisons. Results: Histological observation revealed that while bone formed around both the xenograft and the titanium particles, bone was also noted within titanium granules. Of the five modalities of ridge preservation techniques used in this study, no one technique proved to be superior. Conclusion: The titanium granules were observed to have promising osseoconductive properties.