The Measurement of Dimensional Ridge Contour Changes after Tooth Extraction Using Intraoral Scanner: A Clinical Pilot Study

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to identify the trend of horizontal soft tissue contour changes in extraction sockets using data obtained by intraoral scanners, and to investigate the effect of ridge preservation. Materials and Methods: In nine patients, 18 teeth were extracted, including both premolars, and ridge preservation with deproteinized bovine bone mineral and an absorbable collagen membrane was performed on only one side, and a linear change in width was observed. Intraoral scanning was performed immediately before extraction and at 30- and 90 days after extraction. Superimposition and measurements of the three-dimensional scan images were performed. Results: In the experimental group, a decrease in the horizontal width of 0.845 mm buccally and 0.307 mm lingually at 4 mm below the baseline was observed 90 days after tooth extraction, and in the control group, an average decrease of 0.73 mm and 0.21 mm was observed, respectively. The vertical decrease in gingival height measured 90 days after tooth extraction was 0.8 mm in the experimental group and 0.46 mm in the control group. Conclusion: The horizontal ridge contour during the healing process of healthy mandibular premolar tooth extraction showed a tendency to decrease over time, and a greater change was observed as the height of the measurement point was closer to the reference gingival margin. The effects of ridge preservation were not evident.