Alveolar ridge preservation (ARP) is a well-documented procedure to maintain bone volume after tooth extraction in order to place implants. However, at the end of the healing process, the residual biomaterial that is not reabsorbed remains embedded in the bone over time. Ribose cross-linked biomaterials demonstrated their ability to promote osteoconduction and complete resorption. The aim of this study was to evaluate the histological healing pattern of a novel ribose cross-linked collagen sponge used as a grafting material left exposed in human sockets at the time of tooth extraction. On a single patient, non-restorable lower first molars were extracted on both sides, and a ribose cross-linked collagen sponge was placed bilaterally in the cavities and left uncovered at the end of the surgery. After six months, core biopsies were taken immediately prior to implant placement; after the sample preparation, a histological analysis was performed. The results are very promising for substitution with newly formed bone and the amount of residual material. Ribose cross-linked collagen sponge could represent a valid alternative to conventional biomaterials for ARP procedures with no need for flap advancement and/or the addition of a membrane to cover the graft, reducing the invasiveness, complexity, and costs of the treatment.
Keywords: alveolar ridge augmentation; biomaterials; bone regeneration; cross-linked collagen.