Bone Density Improvement with Croton lechleri in Alveolar Preservation Procedures: A Tomographic Evaluation Pilot Study

Abstract This study aimed to evaluate the effect of Croton lechleri on alveolar preservation, focusing on density, dimensions, epithelial regeneration, and pain scale. This pilot randomized clinical trial included 20 patients aged 35 to 56, divided into two groups: Group A (experimental) and Group B (control). Both underwent atraumatic dental extractions in the anterior maxilla. Group A received C. lechleri in the alveolus post-extraction, while Group B received no treatment. Patients with <25% buccal wall loss and defects <3 mm were randomized using block randomization via Jamovi software. Assignments were sealed in opaque envelopes and revealed after data collection. Cone-beam computed tomography and clinical analyses were conducted over 4 months. For the statistical analysis of tomographic data, an analysis of variance test for repeated measures was used, followed by a post hoc Tukey test. The clinical data analysis was conducted using a Student's t-test. Exploratory findings from this pilot study revealed a statistically significant effect on bone density (p = 0.03). Although reduced bone loss was noted with the use of C. lechleri extract, the experimental group demonstrated better outcomes in terms of preserving dimensional changes. Furthermore, patients in the experimental group required fewer analgesics during the first 72 hours (p = 0.01), suggesting a significant effect on the clinical pain management protocol and a potential positive effect of C. lechleri on alveolar preservation. In this study, no adverse effects were observed. Regarding the epithelial regeneration parameters, no differences were noted in the color of the scar tissue at 72 hours (p = 1.00). Croton lechleri appears to accelerate the bone repair process, allowing for the formation of higher quality bone in terms of density. This study demonstrates that the use of C. lechleri is viable for improving bone density, providing better pain control, and achieving favorable epithelial healing. However, larger studies are necessary to confirm these findings.