Early Dental Implant Installation in Regeneration Sites: a Prof of Concept Prospective Case Study

This study will evaluate bone healing after tooth extraction and alveolar ridge preservation, a common procedure used to maintain the bone volume needed for future dental implant placement. Participants will be adult patients who require tooth extraction, ridge preservation, and later implant-supported rehabilitation as part of their routine dental treatment. After the tooth is removed, the extraction socket will be treated with a bone graft material and covered with a membrane according to standard clinical procedures. At the time of implant placement, a small cylindrical bone sample will be collected from the same site where the implant will be placed. This tissue would normally be removed during preparation of the implant site. Therefore, no additional surgical access or tissue removal will be performed solely for research purposes. The collected samples will be analyzed under the microscope to evaluate the amount and characteristics of newly formed bone and remaining graft material. The study aims to better understand the quality of bone regeneration after alveolar ridge preservation and its suitability for implant placement.

Inclusion Criteria: Adult patients requiring tooth extraction, alveolar ridge preservation, and subsequent implant-supported rehabilitation. Patients with an extraction site suitable for alveolar ridge preservation and delayed implant placement according to clinical and radiographic evaluation. Patients able and willing to attend follow-up visits and undergo implant placement after the healing period. Patients who provide written informed consent to participate in the study. Exclusion Criteria: Patients with uncontrolled systemic conditions that may interfere with wound healing or bone regeneration. Patients with acute infection at the extraction site that, in the investigator's judgment, contraindicates alveolar ridge preservation. Patients requiring major additional bone augmentation procedures at the extraction site beyond the planned alveolar ridge preservation procedure. Pregnant or breastfeeding patients. Patients with a history of head and neck radiotherapy, current chemotherapy, or other conditions that may compromise bone healing. Patients unable to provide informed consent or comply with the study procedures.