Preservation of the alveolar ridge after tooth extraction is an essential component for ideal implant positioning. Furthermore, preservation of bone around the implant after implant placement is an essential component for implant treatment. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of bone grafting materials in preserving the alveolar ridge after implant placement. Implants were placed in regenerated bone without grafting material or with beta-tricalcium phosphate, bovine bone substitute, or carbonate apatite transplantation. In all groups, the bone healed and the implants were successfully placed within the bone. No significant differences in insertion torque and implant stability quotient values were found. The amount of bone around the implant 5 weeks after implant placement was significantly reduced in the bovine bone substitute group; however, implants placed in regenerated bone achieved sufficient initial fixation and osseointegration.
Keywords: Animal model; Bone grafting materials; Dental implants; Ridge preservation.