Application of biologics for ridge preservation/reconstruction after implant removal

Background

The purpose of this review was aimed at providing the rationale supported with a series of cases to apply biologics to enhance orchestrating the healing process at implant removal sites.

Summary

Implant removal is commonly applied on a daily basis, in particular, in cases that exhibit esthetic failures linked to inadequate implant position or in cases of advanced peri-implantitis. Implant removal sites differ substantially from tooth extraction sockets. Implants are ankylosed within the alveolar bone, which therefore have neither mechanoreception nor the elasticity provided by periodontal ligament fibers. As a result, the bone-to-implant contact must be disrupted by means of using a reverse-torque device to minimize trauma. It is possible that the surrounding bone provides limited vascularity, which may interfere with the healing and bone forming process within the socket. Therefore, the use of biologics may enhance this healing and accelerate bone formation in sites where implants are removed due to hopeless functional or esthetic prognoses.

Conclusion

The use of biologics, in particular autologous blood-derived products, may enhance and boost the healing process to potentiate bone availability at a later stage during implant placement.