RIDGE PRESERVATION USING AN INNOVATIVE ENZYME-DEANTIGENIC EQUINE BONE PASTE: A CASE REPORT WITH 36-MONTH FOLLOW-UP

The use of an equine enzyme-deantigenated bone paste shortened the procedure of bone grafting in the preservation of the alveolar process

This study aimed to report a successful clinical, histological, and histomorphometric outcome of a novel equine-derived bone paste for a ridge preservation surgery involving a single post-extractive socket. After tooth avulsion, unless the implant position is not carried out straightforwardly, the alveolar process undergoes resorption: to limit it, post-extractive sockets may be grafted according to the ridge preservation principles. Grafting materials should display proper biological properties and optimal handling characteristics. Bone pastes may facilitate grafting operations, avoid granules’ dispersion, and maximize the contact of the graft with the surrounding bone. An innovative equine-derived bone paste has been recently introduced on the market, but its use has never been documented in the medical literature. This report describes the treatment of a patient who received the equine-derived bone paste in a post-extractive socket to allow the preservation of the alveolar ridge and was later rehabilitated with a crown supported by a single implant. The handling properties of the equine-derived bone paste were excellent. At the 36-month follow-up, the peri-implant bone levels had been maintained, with the implant being successful according to the Albrektsson and Zarb criteria. Histologic outcome showed that the bone paste was fully biocompatible; histomorphometric analysis showed that a significant amount of newly formed bone could be observed in the grafted socket. Alveolar ridge preservation using bone grafts is a well-known approach, yet there is still no agreement about which bone graft might be considered the most suitable for this indication. The novel equine-derived bone paste used in the present study appears a promising option for effective socket preservation and may promote secondary intention healing.

PRODUCTS USED: Activabone Mouldable DBM Paste