Comparative Efficacy of Different Flapless Ridge Preservation Techniques: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#humans #tooth-socket #tooth-extraction #alveolar-ridge-augmentation #alveolar-process

Comparative Efficacy of Different Flapless Ridge Preservation Techniques: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Ng et al., 2023 | J Oral Implantol | Meta Analysis

Citation

Ng Ethan, Tay John Rong Hao, ... Ong Marianne Meng Ann. Comparative Efficacy of Different Flapless Ridge Preservation Techniques: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Oral Implantol. 2023-Apr-01;49(2):206-217. doi:10.1563/aaid-joi-D-21-00108

Abstract

Although the efficacy of ridge preservation is well documented, there is a lack of robust evidence regarding the influence of different surgical techniques. Flapless approaches are thought to be better at preserving soft tissue architecture and have been suggested for mild to moderate defects. This review investigates the efficacy of different flapless techniques for ridge preservation in mild to moderate defects with <50% buccal bone loss. PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases were searched to obtain relevant articles published in English from 1974 to December 2019. The primary outcome was horizontal and vertical hard tissue dimensional changes. Soft tissue changes were evaluated as a secondary outcome. The Bio-Col technique, subperiosteal tunnel technique, and hard tissue with autogenous soft tissue graft/collagen matrix technique were identified. Eight studies were included, and quantitative analyses were performed for 4 studies for the primary outcome variables. The meta-analysis revealed significant reductions for horizontal changes (weighted mean difference [WMD] = 2.56 mm, 95% CI [2.18, 2.95]), vertical mid-buccal (WMD = 1.47 mm, 95% CI [1.04, 1.90]), and vertical mid-lingual (WMD = 1.28 mm, 95% CI [0.68, 1.87]) in favor of flapless ridge preservation techniques. Subgroup analysis based on technique suggests minimal hard tissue differences. The efficacy of flapless ridge preservation techniques on soft tissue changes was inconclusive. In conclusion, flapless ridge preservation techniques are effective for mild to moderate defects. The technique or material used to close the extraction socket does not seem to significantly affect hard tissue changes, while the effect on soft tissue changes warrants further investigation.

Key Findings

The technique or material used to close the extraction socket does not seem to significantly affect hard tissue changes, while the effect on soft tissue changes warrants further investigation.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size 4
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Humans
  • Tooth Socket
  • Tooth Extraction
  • Alveolar Ridge Augmentation
  • Alveolar Process
  • Collagen
  • Alveolar Bone Loss

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Meta-Analysis, Systematic Review, Journal Article
  • Vertical: collagen

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09