The Socket-Plug Technique and Materials Comparison in Atraumatic Extractions - A Multiple-Case Study

Abstract

It is confirmed that tooth extraction with spontaneous healing may lead to degrees of alveolar bone resorption due to the bone remodelling phase. Reconstructive materials are proposed to insert into the socket during the extraction procedure preventing the loss of alveolar bone dimension. The “Socket Plug” technique is an alveolar ridge preservation (ARP) method saving both operational time and is easy to apply in clinical routines. The technique includes steps of atraumatic extraction, flapless design, biomaterial placement, and suturing. Four clinical cases are reported using the socket-plug technique placing hemostatic gelatin sponges as spontaneous healing and collagen plug in sockets as ARP with or without interradicular septum.