Membrane-Free Socket Preservation Following Extraction of Maxillary First Molar Root Stumps: A Case Report

Background: Alveolar ridge preservation is used to limit post-extraction dimensional changes that may complicate implant placement. Evidence concerning individual grafting protocols at maxillary molar sites is less direct than the evidence for alveolar ridge preservation in general. Case Presentation: A healthy, non-smoking 28-year-old woman required extraction of non-restorable root stumps of the maxillary right first molar (tooth 16). Baseline CBCT measurements were reported as 9.76 mm for ridge width and 6.46 mm for vertical bone height. After atraumatic extraction and debridement, a collagenated porcine-derived xenograft (OsteoBiol® Gen-Os®) was placed without a barrier membrane. Outcome: At the six-month follow-up, soft-tissue healing was satisfactory, with no clinically reported inflammation, infection or graft exposure. The recorded CBCT width and height were 10.50 mm and 8.70 mm, respectively. The differences relative to the pre-extraction values were +0.74 mm and +2.24 mm, but equivalence of measurement landmarks could not be independently established from the reported image documentation. A DIO implant (5.5 × 8 mm) was placed with a recorded insertion torque of 40 Ncm; further grafting or sinus augmentation was not performed. Definitive restoration was planned after a further three months. Conclusion: This case documents uneventful site healing observed over six months and delayed implant placement after membrane-free socket grafting in one maxillary molar site. The recorded radiographic differences cannot establish new bone formation, the effect of the graft, or the relative effectiveness of membrane-free treatment.