Use of autogenous tooth bone graft in osseous defects after the surgical removal of mandibular third molars: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Abstract

The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to collectively summarize the available evidence on the use of autogenous tooth bone graft (ATBG) in osseous defects following mandibular third molar surgery. A literature search was performed in Scopus, MEDLINE/PubMed, and Cochrane Library to find randomized clinical trials that used ATBG to augment bone defects following impacted mandibular third molar surgery and compared this with normal healing or with other materials. Eight studies were included, six of which were included in the meta-analysis. The results showed that sites grafted with ATBG yielded significantly higher bone defect fill (standardized mean difference (SMD) 1.10, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.20–1.99, P = 0.016) and significantly less probing depth (SMD −1.46, 95% CI −2.53 to −0.39, P = 0.007) when compared to the control, at 6 months postoperatively. Based on the GRADE system, the level of evidence on these outcomes was judged as moderate. Within the limitations, this study showed that the ATBG could be an alternative to other materials for augmenting bone defects following the surgical removal of an impacted mandibular third molar, offering the option of using the extracted tooth to produce a material that can be used for bone regeneration.