Ridge Preservation With FDBA (Freeze Dried Bone Allograft) Using Dexamethasone vs. Saline

Inclusion Criteria:

• Male or female patient aged 18 to 89

• One tooth, excluding molars, that has been identified by dental faculty as requiringa single tooth extraction

• A dental implant is indicated and treatment planned to replace the missing tooth

• Site has adequate restorative space for a dental implant-retained restoration

• Site has at least 10mm of alveolar bone height, without impinging on the maxillarysinus or inferior alveolar canal.

• Site has a dehiscence of the buccal or lingual bony plate of the tooth socketextending no more than 50% of the total depth of the socket.

• Female patients who have undergone a hysterectomy, tubal ligation, or menopause, andnon-pregnant women of child-bearing potential.

• Patients are nonsmokers or former smokers. Current smokers may be included if theysmoke <10 cigarettes per day

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patient allergic to dexamethasone

• Will not cooperate with the follow-up schedule.

• Patients will not be entered who are mentally incompetent, prisoners, or pregnant.

• Pregnant women or women intending to become pregnant during the study period (asconfirmed verbally; an over-the-counter pregnancy test will be provided if pregnancystatus is unknown or suspected). Patients who become pregnant during the study willbe withdrawn and standard care will be delivered.

• Smokers who smoke >10 cigarettes per day

• Clinical and/or radiographic determinations which will preclude inclusion in thisstudy are: Active infection other than periodontitis; Inadequate bone dimensions orrestorative space for a dental implant; Presence of a disease entity, condition ortherapeutic regimen which decreases probability of soft tissue and bony healing,e.g., poorly controlled diabetes, chemotherapeutic and immunosuppressive agents,autoimmune diseases, history of bisphosphonate use or long-term steroid therapy.