The dilema of the post-extractive socket management in the aesthetic zone: To graft or not to graft?

This lecture will concentrate on the biological mechanisms regarding the healing of post-extractive sockets. Knowledge of these mechanisms allow us to use the most appropriate therapeutic options: immediate post-extractive implant placement or socket preservation technique.

The advantages and disadvantages of these two techniques will be discussed in the light of clinical experience and the most recent scientific literature.

A clinical study on the management of the horizontal gap between implant surfaces and the buccal bone wall will be discussed.

Furthermore the histological and histomorphometric results of a new study on socket preservation using mineralized allograft will be presented.