The alveolar ridge undergoes dimensional changes post-tooth extraction. Studies aim to minimize bone loss and complications by exploring methods to preserve bone height, width, and keratinized tissues. This literature review assesses how primary and secondary intention healing influences alveolar ridge dimensions and bone tissue histomorphometry. Following PRISMA guidelines, a literature search was conducted in PubMed, Cochrane Library, and ScienceDirect databases. This systematic review encompasses randomized controlled trials, as well as observational, retrospective studies, single-blinded, split-mouth randomized studies, and controlled clinical trials. Articles published from March 1, 2013, to March 1, 2023, comparing bone dimensional or histomorphometric changes post-extraction were selected. Studies were evaluated for the risk of bias using the questionnaire known as “The Cochrane Collaboration’s risk-of-bias (RoB 2) tool”. Five publications were reviewed, involving 92 patients and 128 extracted teethAlveolar height and width resorption were similar between primary and secondary intention groups, with no significant differences reported. Histomorphometric changes did not significantly differ between the two healing methods. The healing method (primary or secondary intention) does not significantly impact dimensional changes or new bone tissue formation in post-extraction defects.
