Master’s Degree Awarded to Researcher Haifa Al-Husseini in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Researcher Haifa Mohammed Ali Al-Husseini was awarded a Master’s Degree in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery for her thesis titled: The Role of Autogenous Tooth Bone Graft in Alveolar Bone Preservation Following Tooth Extraction among a Sample of Yemeni Patients, which was submitted to the Faculty of Dentistry– Sana’a University. The MA defense was held on Wednesday, August 19, 2026.
The MA Viva-voce Committee, which was formed based on a resolution issued by the Graduate Studies and Scientific Research Council, consisted of the following:
- Prof. Taghreed Al-Kebsi – Sana’a University – Internal Examiner and Committee Chair.
- Prof. Yahya Abdullah Al-Hadi – Sana’a University – Principal Supervisor and Committee Member.
- Prof. Ahmed Saleh Al-Khatri – Thamar University – External Examiner and Committee Member..
The study evaluated the efficacy, safety, and reliability of autogenous tooth bone graft (ATBG) as a promising biological option for alveolar ridge preservation following the surgical extraction of impacted teeth. The preliminary clinical trial assessed outcomes after six months, with the aim of determining the graft’s ability to preserve alveolar ridge dimensions and promote the formation of new, good-quality bone.
The findings demonstrated statistically significant changes in bone dimensions at the different measurement levels. The greatest vertical loss in buccal cortical height was 1.44 ± 0.91 mm, while horizontal reduction was most pronounced at the crest, with a mean loss of 0.91 ± 1.29 mm. A gradual decrease in the resorption rate was observed as measurements were taken farther apically from the crest.
The results also showed a reduction of 2.13 ± 1.19 mm in the intercrestal distance in the sagittal section, indicating successful socket filling and notable bone formation. Mesiodistal dimensions also showed statistically significant changes. Density analysis demonstrated a marked increase in the mean gray value of ATBG grafts, reaching 780.5 ± 201.3 compared with 430.5 ± 76.8 for natural bone, with a highly statistically significant difference.
In terms of safety, no postoperative complications were recorded, including infection, graft sequestration, or dry socket, resulting in a complication rate of 0.0%.
The study concluded that autogenous tooth bone graft is a safe and effective method for alveolar ridge preservation, with its ability to achieve notable dimensional stability and increased bone density. This makes it a promising option that could serve as a practical alternative to some conventional bone grafting materials, particularly in cases where biocompatibility and cost-effectiveness are important considerations.
The researcher recommended conducting randomized, controlled, multicenter clinical trials to directly compare autogenous tooth bone grafts with conventional bone grafts. She also recommended conducting human histological studies to evaluate graft replacement and remodeling at the cellular level.
In addition, the study recommended using computed tomography and quantitative assessment of bone mineral density, as well as conducting long-term follow-up studies extending from one to two years to assess the graft’s volumetric stability, remodeling rate, and changes associated with the mechanical stresses of mastication.
The thesis defense was attended by faculty members, researchers, students, and interested participants as well as the researcher’s colleagues and family members.
