Influence of autoclavation on the efficacy of extracted tooth roots used for vertical alveolar ridge augmentation

Objectives To assess the influence of autoclavation on the efficacy of extracted tooth roots ( TR ) used for vertical alveolar ridge augmentation and two‐stage osseointegration. Material and Methods Maxillary premolars were randomly assigned to either autoclavation ( TR ‐A) or were left untreated ( TR ‐C) and used as block grafts for vertical alveolar ridge augmentation in both lower quadrants ( n  = 4 beagle dogs). At 12 weeks, titanium implants were inserted and left to heal for 3 weeks. Histological analyses considered vertical bone gain ( BD ‐ BC ), augmented area ( AA ) and bone‐to‐implant contact ( BIC ) at vestibular (v) and oral (o) aspects. Results Both TR ‐C and TR ‐A (exposures n  = 3) grafts were associated with a replacement resorption and marked vertical bone gain. Median BD ‐ BC ( TR ‐C: 1.45 [v] to 1.62 mm [o] versus TR ‐A: 0.97 [v] to 1.79 mm [o]) and AA ( TR ‐C: 0.64 [v] to 2.36 mm 2 [o] versus TR ‐A: 0.22 [v] to 2.36 mm 2 [o]) values were comparable in both groups. V BIC ( TR ‐C: 49.32 [v] to 52.97% [o] versus TR ‐A: 25.34 [v] to 46.11% [o]) values were significantly higher in the TR ‐C group. Conclusions Both TR ‐C and TR ‐A grafts equally supported vertical alveolar ridge augmentation; however, osseointegration was partially facilitated in the TR ‐C group.