Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate dimensional changes, level of soft tissue healing, and pain/discomfort perception in post-extraction sockets filling with 1.2% simvastatin (SIM) gel covered with polypropylene membranes (PPPM).
Material and methods: Twenty-six post-extraction sockets of posterior teeth were randomly allocated in two groups: (a) socket filling with 1.2% SIM gel and covered with PPPM (n = 13) and (b) socket filling with placebo gel and covered with PPPM (n = 13). Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images before and 90 days after the extraction enabled alveolar bone dimensional changes calculation using horizontal and vertical measurements. The measurements occurred at three different levels for thickness located 1, 3, and 5 mm from the top of the bone crest. The vertical (depth) measure was assessed from the most apical portion of the socket to the bone crest's most coronal portion. Seven days after the extractions, the level of soft tissue healing and pain perception were also analyzed.
Results: After 90 days of extractions, the dimensional changes in thickness in the test group were significantly smaller in sections A (p = .044), B (p = .036) and C (p = .048) when compared to the control group. The test group showed a significantly lower height-dimensional change than the control group (p < .0001). Soft tissue healing index (p = .63), perception of pain (p = .23), and number of analgesics consumed (p = .25) were similar between groups.
Conclusions: Simvastatin at 1.2% compared with placebo effectively reduced the dimensional changes in post-extraction sockets covered with PPPM. There was no significant difference in the level of soft tissue healing and postoperative pain between the test and control groups.
Keywords: alveolar ridge; alveolar ridge preservation; guided bone regeneration; simvastatin; tooth extraction.
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