Clinical and Histological Assessment of Knife-Edge Thread Implant Stability After Ridge Preservation Using Hydroxyapatite and Sugar Cross-Linked Collagen: Preliminary Report

Background: Primary stability of dental implants depends on bone quality, bone quantity, and implant design. In cases of large defects, such as periapical lesions, the selection of an appropriate alveolar ridge preservation (ARP) material is crucial for bone regeneration and preparation for implant placement. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate clinical and histological outcomes of a novel ARP material hydroxyapatite and sugar cross-linked collagen (HSCC) combined with a knife-edge thread implant (KTI) design. Methods: Thirty patients were divided into two groups: a control group treated with KTI after spontaneous alveolar ridge healing, and an experimental group that underwent ARP using HSCC, and six months later, KTIs were placed in newly formed bone. Clinical parameters including insertion torque value (ITV), resonance frequency analysis (RFA), implant stability quotient (ISQ), and horizontal bone dimension were evaluated. Histological analysis was also performed. Results: No significant differences were observed between groups in ITV, ISQ, or horizontal bone dimension (p > 0.05). However, histological analysis demonstrated a significantly higher number of active osteoblasts in the ARP group compared to the control (p < 0.001), whereas collagen deposition was significantly greater in the control group (p < 0.001). Conclusions: ARP using HSCC, combined with KTI, provides favorable conditions for primary stability and successful graft integration, supporting reliable implant placement in sites with bone defects.