Abstract

Extracellular matrix (ECM) is known to function as a reservoir of endogenous growth factors, can be an effective delivery system of growth factor that easily lost bioactivity in solution. Fibrillar collagens like type I collagen, are the major constituent of the ECM and structural protein of bone. Also, it can be a scaffold for osteoblast migration. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of absorbable Atelo-collagen Sponge(Teruplug®) insertion in tooth extraction sites on periodontal healing of the mandibular second molar after the extraction of the impacted third molar. The study population comprised 31 cases who had been scheduled for surgical removal of impacted mandibular third molars. All patients were in good general health and were not using any medication that would influence wound healing after surgery. In 15 cases control group, none was inserted into the tooth extraction site. In 16 cases experimental groups, Teruplug® was inserted into the tooth extraction site. We evaluated tooth mobility, pocket depth, gingival margin level preoperatively and 1 week, 2 weeks, 4 weeks, and 3 months postoperatively. The change was compared with two groups using Mann-Whitney test. The results were as follows. 1. There was no significant change of tooth mobility on both groups. 2. There was tendency of decreasing of previous pocket depth causing tooth extraction on both groups. 3. On gingival margin level, there was various change according to initial swelling and loss of attachment on both groups. 4. There was tendency of decreasing of gingival margin level on both groups because of removal of inflammation and decreasing of previous pocket depth. 5. There was large change of pocket depth on buccal middle, distal, lingual distal area because of tooth extraction and bone reduction. Compared with the control group and experimental group, we observed significant difference during some periods. The results of this study suggest that absorbable atelo-collagen sponge (Teruplug®) is relatively favorable bone void filler with prevention of tissue collapse, food packing and enhance periodontal healing.