Randomized controlled trial on lateral augmentation using two collagen membranes. Morphometric results on mineralized tissue compound.

Overview & Synopsis

Background: GBR is considered an effective tool for gaining mineralized tissue either at exposed implant surface or in deficient alveolar ridge areas prior to implant placement. Material & Methods: Customized casts obtained following impression taking at surgery and re-entry allowed for morphometric assessment of alveolar ridge alterations 6 months after one-stage augmentation of bone dehiscences. In a randomized pilot study using biphasic calcium phosphate tests (n=17) received treatment with ribose cross linked collagen membranes whereas controls (n=20) received non-cross linked membranes. The primary endpoint was to quantify the effect of membrane type on dimensional changes in bone margins at crestal level of endosseous implants. Results: Soft tissue dehiscencies occurred at 70.5% and 55% frequency for tests and controls, respectively. Gain in clinically hard newly mineralized tissue at the crestal level was significantly higher in test group in lateral (1.8mm vs. 0.7mm; p=.046) and in vertical dimensions (1.1mm vs. 0.2mm; p=.035) compared to controls. Second measurement obtained at the border of reflected flap revealed none-significant difference between groups (3.0mm vs. 2.1mm; p=0.57) for lateral dimension. Conclusions: both collagen devices were effective in bone augmentation. RCLMs supported mineralization process and remodeling even in sites showing compromised healing as indicated by morphometric outcome.