A survey of clinical members of the Association of Dental Implantology in the United Kingdom. Part III. The use of augmentation techniques in dental implant surgery.

Abstract

The aims of the survey were to: (1) determine the use of the staged and simultaneous augmentation techniques; (2) determine trends in the use of barrier membranes; (3) establish the perceived reliability of techniques used to monitor implants that have undergone simultaneous augmentation; and (4) assess the use of biopsy techniques to confirm the histologic outcome of bone augmentation. One hundred seventy-two respondents replied to this section of the survey and indicated that the "staged" and "simultaneous" augmentation techniques were used in roughly equal numbers during 1997, and a wide range of complications was reported with the latter. The majority used barrier membranes to correct defects of between 5 and 10 mm3, and resorbable membranes were preferred. With regard to clinical techniques used to monitor augmented implants, these were mainly considered to be "adequate" or "poor." Tissue biopsy was recognized as an important tool for determining the outcome of augmentation procedures but was rarely used. The use of resorbable membranes is likely to increase. The diagnostic tools currently used to monitor augmented implants are considered to have limited reliability, and they should be evaluated by prospective, comparative studies. More widespread use of biopsy techniques might help establish an evidence base for the histologic outcome of augmentation materials and techniques.