Dental implants survival in horizontal bone augmentation by use of biomaterials only: 1–3 years follow‐up

Abstract

Background Autogenous bone blocks are the gold standard technique for hard tissues augmentations to insert dental implants on the right position. However, professionals know quite well the disadvantages of such a procedure. The guided bone regeneration (GBR) technique has become a viable treatment option for regenerating the adequate horizontal bone volume required for osseointegrated implants installation in atrophic ridges without those disadvantages. Aim/Hypothesis The aim of this study was to demonstrate the clinical and radiographic success of dental implants performed in areas where horizontal alveolar ridge augmentation was required. Material and Methods 30 dental implants were installed in seven patients, all of these implants in areas where horizontal alveolar ridge augmentation was required. The experiment used only biomaterials, avoiding any autogenous bone. These implants were inserted after a 10–12 month period of postoperative augmentation procedures. All patients were rehabilitated with individual, partial or total prostheses. Clinical and cone beam computed tomography (CT) assessments were performed pre and postoperative augmentation procedures. The dental implants survival rate was measured. The peri-implant bone loss was analyzed with radiographic exams. The observation period was 1–3 years follow-up. Results As the results, the study showed a 97.3% of dental implants survival rate. Only one implant failed, because of patient claim of sensibility and pain. Nevertheless, this implant was totally osseointegrated. As the result of cone beam CT evaluation, horizontal alveolar ridge augmented areas with only biomaterials were stable over 1–3 years follow-up. The peri-implant bone loss was similar to what happens to autogenous bone blocks augmentations. Conclusion and Clinical Implications Therefore, the technique proved efficient in promoting stable horizontal alveolar ridge augmentation. At 1–3 years follow-up period, the dental implants survival rate and peri-implant bone loss were found to be similar to what the literature registers as results for autogenous bone blocks reconstructions.