Abstract: Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) for alveolar ridge preservation with bone wall defect. Methods: From February 2019 to January 2023, 142 eligible patients were randomly divided into group A using rhBMP-2 + collagen sponge to fill the extraction sockets, group B using collagen sponge alone, and group C using no grafts. The implant surgery was carried out at 18 and 24 weeks after tooth extraction, and three groups were divided into group A1, A2; B1, B2; and C1, C2. Maximum meso-distal and buccal-lingual diameter (L, W) and depth (H) of alveolar crest defect were measured in cases of alveolar ridge bone defects found during implant surgery, and V values were calculated (V=L×W×H). Bone blocks of implant sockets were obtained for histological evaluation in cases without alveolar bone defects. Results: The frequency of alveolar ridge bone defects in group A1 and A2 were 0.32 and 0.14; in group B1 and B2 were 0.75 and 0.43; and in group C1 and C2 were 0.72 and 0.37, respectively. There were significant differences between group A1 and B1; between group A2 and B2; between group A1 and C1, and between group A2 and C2 in V value (P<0.05). There were significant differences between group A1 and B1 and between group A1 and C1 in new bone percentage (P<0.05). Conclusion: The use of rhBMP-2 for alveolar ridge preservation with bone wall defect can shorten the time of osteogenesis (18 weeks), reduce the frequency of erratic healing, and provide a favorable bone condition for subsequent implantation.

Key words: alveolar ridge preservation, recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2, oral implantology