Fazlieha KAMARUDDIN, Fara Azwin ADAM, Erni NOOR
European Journal of General Dentistry - 2026;15(3):443-457
Objectives Alveolar ridge preservation (ARP) procedures are crucial for minimizing physiological bone resorption. Dentin particles (DPs) obtained from extracted teeth, rich in type I collagen and growth factors like bone morphogenic proteins, offer a promising alternative by stimulating osteogenic cell response and enhancing bone regeneration. Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) is a natural biomaterial that promotes microvascularization and wound healing, while collagen plug (CP) aids in osteogenesis and stabilizes grafting materials. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of the combined use of DP, PRF, and CP in ARP to improve treatment outcomes. Materials and Methods Thirty-three mandibular extraction sockets were randomized into three groups: group A (DP + PRF + CP), group B (PRF + CP), and group C (empty control). Early wound healing was assessed using the Early Wound Healing Score at 10 +/- 4 days. Radiographic changes in ridge width, buccal height, lingual height, and buccal bone thickness were measured using cone-beam computed tomography after 6 months. Statistical Analysis For inter-group comparisons, one-way ANOVA (analysis of variance) with Bonferroni post-hoc tests was employed to detect significant differences in bony dimensions among all three groups. Changes over time were assessed using repeated measures ANOVA, while associations between categorical variables were examined through Chi-square tests. Paired comparisons between specific time points were conducted with paired sample t-tests. Additionally, multinomial logistic regression analysis was performed to compare groups A and B against the reference group C. Results Early wound healing was comparable across all groups. Radiographically, group A (DP + PRF + CP) consistently showed the smallest dimensional reductions in ridge width, height, and buccal bone thickness, though these trends were not statistically significant in direct group comparisons. Notably, multinomial regression indicated that these ridge preservation parameters significantly predicted patient allocation to group A. No significant differences were found between healthy and controlled diabetic patients. Conclusion DP + PRF + CP combination outperformed controls in ARP, with comparable early healing.
