Abstract
Purpose: Fibrillar collagens like type I collagen, are the major constituent of the extracellular matrix and structural protein of bone. Also, it can be a scaffold for osteoblast migration. The purpose of this study is to estimate the effects of absorbable atelo-collagen sponge (Teruplug$^{(R)}$, Terumo biomaterials Co., Tokyo, Japan) insertion in tooth extraction sites on periodontal healing of the second molar, healing of the fractured mandibular bone and new bone formation of third molar socket after the extraction of the impacted third molar with mandibular angle fracture. Methods: In our study of six cases of mandibular angle fractures, all of them underwent the extraction of the third molar tooth & absorbable atelo-collagen sponge insertion in tooth extraction site. Three of them had a intraoral infection & oral opening to fracture site, two of the six had dental caries, and only one had reduction problem due to third molar position. Six consecutive patients with noncomminuted fractures of the mandibular angle were treated by open reduction and internal fixation using one noncompression miniplates and screws placed through a transoral incision. Results: All of the patients have showed good postoperative functions and have not experienced complications requiring second surgical intervention. There was well healing of the mandibular bone and the most new bone formation of third molar socket after the extraction of the impacted third molar with mandibular angle fracture. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that absorbable atelo-collagen sponge is relatively favorable bone void filler with prevention of tissue collapse, food packing, and enhance periodontal healing. Thus, the use of atelo-collagen sponge and one noncompression miniplate seems to be relatively easy, safe, and effective for the treatment of fractures of the mandibular angle and third molar extraction.