A New Syndesmotomy Technique for Tooth Extractions to Preserve the Alveolar Bone

Piezoelectric bone surgery is a recent and innovative technology, permitting a selective cut of mineralized tissue while sparing soft tissue. Similar to a dental scaler, a high frequency vibration, in the range of 25-35 kHz, is transmitted to a metallic tip. The handpiece of the instrument is equipped with a sterile irrigation system and light-emitting diode (LED) light, which improves visibility and overall safety. Piezoelectric surgery is particularly useful when performing delicate bone procedures such as periodontal or endodontic surgery. It is also indicated when performing more invasive bone surgery such as maxillectomy, mandibulectomy, and condylectomy, where preservation of neurovascular structures is important. Piezoelectric surgery is still employed in tooth extraction of third lower molars. In literature, there are low evidence of the use of piezoelectric surgery for single-rooted tooth extraction.

Inclusion criteria

• Age ≥ 18 years old
• Single-rooted tooth to extract that:
• has mobility grade 0 or 1
• is considered hopeless or needs to be extracted due to orthodontic indication
• Sign of informed consent

Exclusion criteria

• Age lower than 18 years old
• Pregnancy
• Heavy smokers (more than 10 cigarettes a day)
• Uncompensated systemic diseases
• Drugs that influence wound healing (radiotherapy in the last year, bisphosphonates)
• Low compliance due to psychiatric diseases
• Mobility grade 2 or 3
• Refusal of informed consent