Evaluation of Erythropoietin on Alveolar Ridge Preservation: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial with Histomorphometric Assessment

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating the use of erythropoietin (EPO), a growth factor that promotes blood vessel formation and bone regeneration, to reduce bone loss after tooth extraction in areas planned for bridges or dental implants. The study focuses on preserving the alveolar ridge—the bone surrounding the tooth socket—which often shrinks, affecting implant placement. This randomized controlled trial aims to measure how EPO affects bone size changes and healing after extraction. Participants are divided into three groups: one receiving tooth extraction followed by placement of EPO on a chitosan carrier in the socket; another receiving extraction with chitosan carrier alone; and a control group with natural healing after extraction. The surgical procedure includes careful tooth extraction, socket preparation, and suturing. Follow-up includes implant placement after four months, with bone biopsies collected for detailed bone analysis. Participants will have clinical assessments of bone dimension changes immediately after extraction and at four months using calipers and cone beam CT scans. Postoperative pain and wound healing will be evaluated with patient reports and healing indexes. Bone regeneration patterns will be studied through histological examination of biopsies. The study duration includes initial treatment, four months follow-up, and assessments of bone changes and healing over six months.

Evaluation of Erythropoietin on Alveolar Ridge Preservation