Alveolar ridge preservation after removing upper back molars
Official title: Alveolar Ridge Preservation (ARP) in the Posterior Maxilla: A Clinical and Economic Evaluation of ARP After the Extraction of Maxillary Molars
Run by Virginia Commonwealth University · NCT07433322 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This test compares placing an Ossix mineralized graft immediately after an upper molar extraction versus waiting to graft at implant placement to see if immediate grafting better preserves bone for future dental implants.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Virginia Commonwealth University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Richmond, Virginia) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | June 18, 2026 |
| Main results expected | March 2028 |
| Study ends | April 2028 |
| Registry record updated | August 20, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07433322 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults with a maxillary molar indicated for extraction who have at least 6 mm residual bone height, intact or ≤5 mm buccal/palatal dehiscence, and who are medically fit and not heavy smokers are ideal candidates.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who are medically compromised, heavy smokers, under 18, or who have insufficient residual bone height (<6 mm) or large dehiscences (>5 mm) are unlikely to benefit from the interventions tested here.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This interventional protocol enrolls adults who need extraction of a maxillary molar and who have at least 6 mm of residual bone height and minimal buccal/palatal defects (<5 mm). Participants receive either an immediate Ossix mineralized graft at the time of extraction or delayed grafting at the time of implant placement, with coordinated prosthetic and surgical planning using digital workflows. The multidisciplinary team from periodontics and prosthodontics will follow patients longitudinally to measure horizontal and vertical ridge dimensions, record need for additional grafting, and document implant positioning outcomes. Outcomes will focus on preservation of ridge height/width, need for supplemental procedures, and implant readiness.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could preserve more bone after extraction and reduce the number of grafting procedures needed before implant placement.
How similar studies have gone: Alveolar ridge preservation techniques have been shown in multiple studies to reduce post-extraction horizontal and vertical bone loss, though outcomes in the posterior maxilla with sinus-related changes remain more challenging and variably reported.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Intact or \<5mm dehiscence buccally and palatally * Initial residual bone height (RBH) of at least 6 mm. 3-A minimum distance of 1 mm between root apices and sinus membrane. Exclusion Criteria * Medically compromised * heavy smokers * young (\<18 yrs.) or those refusing treatment are excluded.
Where it's running
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Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, Virginia, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Iya Ghassib — Virginia Commonwealth University
- Study coordinator: Iya Ghassib
- Email: ghassibi@vcu.edu
- Phone: (804) 628-8376
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.