Influence Of Autoclavation On The Efficacy Of Extracted Tooth Roots Used For Vertical Alveolar Ridge Augmentation

Objectives To assess the influence of autoclavation on the efficacy of extracted tooth roots (TR) used for vertical alveolar ridge augmentation and two-stage osseointegration. Material and Methods Maxillary premolars were randomly assigned to either autoclavation (TR-A) or were left untreated (TR-C) and used as block grafts for vertical alveolar ridge augmentation in both lower quadrants (n = 4 beagle dogs). At 12 weeks, titanium implants were inserted and left to heal for 3 weeks. Histological analyses considered vertical bone gain (BD-BC), augmented area (AA) and bone-to-implant contact (BIC) at vestibular (v) and oral (o) aspects. Results Both TR-C and TR-A (exposures n = 3) grafts were associated with a replacement resorption and marked vertical bone gain. Median BD-BC (TR-C: 1.45 [v] to 1.62 mm [o] versus TR-A: 0.97 [v] to 1.79 mm [o]) and AA (TR-C: 0.64 [v] to 2.36 mm(2) [o] versus TR-A: 0.22 [v] to 2.36 mm(2) [o]) values were comparable in both groups. V BIC (TR-C: 49.32 [v] to 52.97% [o] versus TR-A: 25.34 [v] to 46.11% [o]) values were significantly higher in the TR-C group. Conclusions Both TR-C and TR-A grafts equally supported vertical alveolar ridge augmentation; however, osseointegration was partially facilitated in the TR-C group.