Alveolar Ridge Preservation With Polycaprolactone Scaffold for Implant Site Development

It has been shown through research that alveolar ridges (Part of jaw bone holding teeth) tend to lose width and height after extraction of teeth. Lost in height and width of the ridge can cause problems in the restoration of missing teeth with bridges and implants. Hence, this study is proposed to assess the use of polycaprolactone (PCL) scaffolds for alveolar ridge preservation following extraction of teeth in humans.

20 patients will be divided into 2 groups. In one group, patients will have a PCL scaffold placed into the socket after extraction. In other group, no scaffold will be placed. After a healing period of 6 months, changes in width and height from baseline is measured for both groups. A bone biopsy is also taken at this time from both groups. Hardness of bone, histologic (microscopic) features of cells, percentage of living bone, radiographic density of alveolar ridge and mechanical properties of the bone biopsy are then assessed.

This study will attempt to show that a resorbable (can be removed by body) material like a PCL scaffold can be used to maintain physical dimensions of the alveolar ridge after extraction and will not interfere with osseointegration (fusion with bone). It will avoid the necessity for additional corrective surgeries for patients when alveolar ridges presented with inadequate width and height for placement of aesthetically pleasing and functionally sound restorations. This would improve chances of success for the patient.

If the study successfully shows that the PCL scaffold can be accepted by the body with good bone growth, uses for the PCL scaffold can be extended to other areas of clinical medicine and dentistry.

The PCL scaffold to be used in this study is designed and developed by a local company (Osteopore International Pte Ltd). With the success of this product, Singapore's standing as a biomedical hub will be further enhanced.