Long-term outcomes of post-extraction alveolar ridge preservation and alveolar ridge reconstruction followed by delayed implant placement: A systematic review

This systematic review analyzed the long-term outcomes of alveolar ridge preservation (ARP) and alveolar ridge reconstruction (ARR) before delayed implant placement. Eight studies were included (one non-randomized clinical trial, one prospective case series, four retrospective comparative studies, and two retrospective case series). Risk of bias assessment, using a modified Newcastle–Ottawa Scale, revealed one high-quality study, four medium-quality studies, and three with low methodological quality. In total, 333 patients underwent ARP or ARR, with the most common approach involving xenogeneic bone grafting and socket sealing with a collagen membrane, matrix, or dressing. Follow-up ranged from 5 to 10 years. Due to methodological heterogeneity and limited data, quantitative analysis was not feasible. The implant survival rate was the most frequently reported outcome, followed by peri-implant marginal bone level changes and peri-implant disease incidence. Despite limited evidence, ARP and ARR appear to support favorable long-term outcomes, particularly in implant survival and bone stability. Further well-designed, large-scale studies comparing different ARP and ARR modalities with other therapies are needed to guide clinical decision-making.