This study aimed to test whether or not a digital workflow for GBR with particulate bone substitutes and injectable platelet-rich fibrin improved the thickness of the hard tissue compared to the conventional workflow. 26 patients in need of lateral bone augmentation were enrolled. GBR with particulate bone substitutes and injectable platelet-rich fibrin was performed in all patients. Patients were divided into two groups: control (conventional workflow; n = 14) and test (digital workflow; n = 12). CBCT scans were performed before surgery, immediately after wound closure, and 6 months post-surgery, and the labial thickness of the hard tissue (LT) was assessed at 0-5 mm apical to the implant shoulder (LT0-LT5) at each time point. A total of 26 patients were included in this study. After wound closure, the test group showed significantly greater thickness in LT0-LT2 than the control group (LT0: test: 4.31 ± 0.73 mm, control: 2.99 ± 1.02 mm; LT1: test: 4.55 ± 0.69 mm, control: 3.60 ± 0.96 mm; LT2: test: 4.76 ± 0.54 mm, control: 4.05 ± 1.01 mm; p < 0.05). At 6 months, significant differences in LT0-LT1 were detected between the groups (LT0: test: 1.88 ± 0.57 mm, control: 1.08 ± 0.60 mm; LT1: test: 2.36 ± 0.66 mm, control: 1.69 ± 0.58 mm; p < 0.05). Within the limitations of this study, the use of digital workflow in GBR with particulate bone substitutes and i-PRF exerted a positive effect on the labial thickness of hard tissue in the coronal portion of the implant after wound closure and at 6 months.
Keywords: computer-aided surgery; guided bone regeneration; injectable platelet-rich fibrin; lateral ridge augmentation.