LAUSR

Objectives To histomorphometrically evaluate the influence of autoclavation on the efficacy of extracted tooth roots (TR) used for vertical alveolar ridge augmentation. Materials and methods Upper premolars were randomly assigned to either autoclavation (TR-A) or an untreated control group (TR-C) and used as block grafts for vertical alveolar ridge augmentation in both lower quadrants ( n  = 4 beagle dogs). Tissue biopsies were obtained after 15 weeks of submerged healing. Histological analyses considered gain in ridge height (GRH), augmented area (AA), and the proportion of mineralized (MT) and non-mineralized tissue (NMT). Results TR-C and TR-A grafts were commonly associated with a complete replacement resorption and a marked gain in ridge height. Significant differences between groups were noted for mean GRH [TR-C: 2.35 ± 0.55 vs. TR-A: 2.46 ± 0.21 mm] and AA [TR-C: 11.88 ± 4.31 vs. TR-A: 8.65 ± 1.59 mm 2 ] values. Within AA, both groups revealed a comparable distribution of mean MT and NMT values. The linear regression analysis pointed to a significant correlation between NMT and AA values. Conclusions Both TR-C and TR-A grafts supported vertical alveolar ridge augmentation; however, GRH was improved in the TR-A group. Clinical relevance TR grafts may serve as a potential alternative for vertical alveolar ridge augmentation.