The use of resorbable collagen membrane in conjunction with autogenous bone graft and inorganic bovine mineral for buccal/labial alveolar ridge augmentation: a pilot study.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM No study provides human histologic evidence regarding the use of resorbable collagen membrane for a 2-stage localized alveolar augmentation procedure. PURPOSE The purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate the potential of use of a resorbable collagen membrane in conjunction with an autogenous bone graft and inorganic bovine mineral (IBM) for labial/buccal alveolar ridge augmentation prior to placing dental implants. Material and methods Seven consecutively treated human patients participated in the study. All patients received labial/buccal alveolar ridge augmentation. An autogenous block graft was secured at the recipient site with fixation screws and a mixture of autogenous particulate with IBM was placed at the periphery. Resorbable collagen membrane was used as a barrier. Radiographic and laboratory measurements were made to quantify ridge augmentation and resorption rate. Preoperative and postoperative stone casts were used to quantify alveolar ridge augmentation. Volumetric evaluation was measured in mL whereas linear laboratory evaluation was measured in millimeters. Measurements were made 1 and 6 months after bone grafting. Histologic and histomorphometric analysis from the grafted area evaluated new bone formation, and osteoconductivity of IBM. RESULTS For all patients Type II to III bone quality was achieved at the augmented sites. The implant survival rate was 100% at second-stage surgery. No complication was observed at the recipient sites. Radiographic evaluation revealed 4.65 mm labial/lingual augmentation, whereas laboratory analysis revealed 4.57 mm. Volumetric laboratory analysis demonstrated 1.00 (+/- 0.29) mL alveolar ridge augmentation 6 months after bone grafting and 13.79% resorption between months 1 and 6. Histomorphometric analysis revealed that on average, the area occupied by bone was 34.28% (range 24 to 50; +/-9.05),] soft tissue 46.00% (+/-9.20%; range 30% to 55%), and IBM particles 19.71% (+/-11.74%, range 3% to 42%). The proportion of the surface of the IBM particles in contact with bone was 47.14% (range 15% to 64%; SD 17.21%). CONCLUSIONS Resorbable collagen membranes may be used as barriers for labial/buccal alveolar ridge augmentation procedures.