Alveolar ridge preservation in beagle dogs using carbonate apatite bone substitute

Granular-shaped carbonate apatite (CO₃Ap) bone substitute has demonstrated good clinical results, especially in the bone augmentation procedure, because it has high osteoconductivity and can be replaced by a new bone. This study aimed to evaluate the potential usefulness of CO₃Ap bone substitute for alveolar ridge preservation of beagle dogs during the 9-week follow-up period after surgery. Reconstruction of extraction sockets with CO₃Ap granules (CO₃Ap group) allowed approximately 1.0 mm higher alveolar bone height than that with a blood clot (control group) at 4 and 9 weeks after surgery. Additionally, the measured area at the buccal aspect of the alveolar bone in the CO₃Ap group was approximately 2 mm² larger than that in the control group at 4 and 9 weeks after surgery. Continuity from the buccal side to palatal side of the alveolar bone was restored, maintaining its contour at 4 weeks after surgery. The amount of bony tissue, especially the amount of mature bone, in the alveolar part was statistically larger than that of control group at 9 weeks after surgery even though complete replacement of CO₃Ap granules with new bone was not observed within 9 weeks. In conclusion, CO₃Ap granules have good potential for alveolar ridge preservation.