Socket augmentation using a commercial collagen-based product — an animal study in pigs

The aim of the present study was to identify properties of pure collagen for augmentation techniques and compare to a proved xenogenic material and natural bone regeneration. For that the osteogenesis of extraction alveoli after augmentation with a collagen cone covered with an absorbable collagen membrane in a single product (PARASORB Sombrero®, Resorba) was evaluated in a pig model. Extraction alveoli were treated with the collagen cone and the collagen membrane in a single product (test group; n=7) or demineralized bovine bone mineral and a collagen membrane (two separate products; positive control; n=7). Untreated alveoli were used (n=6) as negative controls.11Abbreviations: CC=collagen cone; DBBM=demineralized bovine bone mineral; NC=negative control; PC=positive control. Bone specimens were extracted 1 and 3months after teeth extraction. Serial longitudinal sections were stained with Masson Goldner trichrome. Furthermore, bone specimens were examined using X-ray analyses. Significant differences of bone atrophy were detected 12weeks after material insertion using X-ray analyses. The bone atrophy was reduced by approximately 32% after insertion of the positive control (P=0.046). Bone atrophy reached 37.6% of those from untreated alveoli (P=0.002) using the test group. After 4weeks, bone formation was noticeable in most sites, whereas after 12weeks of healing, specimens of all groups exhibited nearly complete osseous organization of the former defected area. The mandibulary bone texture showed typical spongious bone structures. Histomorphometric analyses revealed after 4 and 12weeks significant higher levels of bone marrow in test and negative control than in positive control. Quantification of bone tissue and osteoid does not show any significant difference. The present study confirms reduced bone resorption following socket augmentation with an absorbable collagen membrane with collagen cone while the resulting bone structure is similar to natural bone regeneration. Pure collagen can be used for bone augmentation, and shows over other xenogenic materials, a clear advantage with respect to the bone density and structure. •Compare a collagen membrane cone (single product) with a proved xenogenic material•Bone specimens were examined by X-ray and histological analyses.•The collagen membrane cone reduced bone atrophy.•Resulting bone structure is similar to natural bone regeneration.•Pure collagen shows clear advantages to other xenogenic materials.