Background: The aim of this study was to present and validate a new classification system for the maxillary anterior extraction socket based upon soft and hard tissue parameters.
Methods: Twenty-five maxillary anterior teeth from 25 subjects (15 men and 10 women; aged 18 to 51 years; mean age = 32.4 years) were used to validate the new proposed classification system. Two independent surgeons recommended a treatment approach based upon the classification proposed. These suggestions were verified at the time of surgery. Weighted Cohen's kappa was used to calculate interobserver reliability. Statistical analysis was performed using the paired t, Kolmagorov-Smirnov, and marginal homogeneity tests.
Results: Interobserver agreement and weighted Cohen's kappa were 96% and 0.94, respectively. This indicated a high reliability for the proposed classification system. No peri-implant soft tissues were classified as deficient when the newly developed classification was used to recommend treatment. Overall, 80% of sockets were graded as adequate based on soft tissue parameters (P <0.001).
Conclusion: The extraction socket classification proposed here is an objective and helpful tool for socket assessment and for promoting future implant esthetics.