Evaluation of two socket healing procedures with and without mesenchymal stem cells: A comparative study

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: Successful preservation of the edentulous ridge after extraction may eliminate or reduce the need for ridge augmentation procedures. It is proved that grafting of fresh extraction sockets with bone grafts promotes ridge preservation. An objective method of maintaining height and width of alveolar ridge using mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) seeded on collagen membrane was implemented in this study. METHODOLOGY: Ten bilaterally symmetrical extraction sockets scheduled for extraction were selected for this study. Involved teeth were extracted atraumatically and the sockets were curetted. MSCs seeded on collagen membrane were placed in the extracted socket on one side. On the other side, only collagen membrane was placed inside the socket. Both the sockets were closed primarily with nonresorbable sutures. Buccolingual and mesiodistal widths of the ridges at three different levels (2 mm below cementoenamel junction [CEJ], 5 mm below CEJ, and 8 mm below CEJ) were assessed immediately after extraction and postoperatively at 3 and 6 months. RESULTS: There was statistically significant observation in maintaining the alveolar ridge width in the grafted site when compared to the nongrafted site. CONCLUSION: Socket healing procedure using MSCs and collagen membrane was successful in maintaining width of alveolar socket.