Objective: To evaluate, from a histological and histomorphometrical perspective, the efficacy of a 1 : 1 mixture of deproteinized bovine bone mineral (DBBM) and autogenous bone graft associated with an expanded-polytetrafluoroethylene (e-PTFE) membrane for vertical ridge augmentation in the human.
Material and methods: Seven patients with 10 surgical sites requiring vertical ridge augmentation of partially edentulous lower jaws were included in the study. The vertical augmentation procedure was performed combining a titanium-reinforced e-PTFE Gore-Tex membrane with a composite graft consisting of a 1 : 1 ratio of DBBM (Bio-Oss) and autogenous bone. Twenty-seven Branemark implants have been inserted. Eleven biopsies from the regenerated area were analyzed histologically and histomorphometrically.
Results: The healing period was uneventful in nine surgical sites. In one site the membrane showed an exposure after 3 months. At the abutment connection, all implants appeared stable and submerged by a hard regenerated tissue clinically similar to bone. The histological analysis showed new bone formation and ongoing remodelling of the autogenous bone and the DBBM particles.
Conclusions: The findings from the present clinical and histological study support the use of a 1 : 1 combination of DBBM and autogenous bone chips for vertical ridge augmentation by means of guided bone regeneration techniques. The regenerated bone may lead to proper osseointegration of a dental implant inserted at the time of the regenerative procedure or after a healing period of at least 6 months. DBBM undergoes very slow resorption and substitution with new bone. Furthermore, long-term clinical studies are needed to confirm the positive effect of DBBM in enhancing the lasting stability of the vertically augmented bone.