Lateral alveolar ridge augmentation with autogenous block grafts fixed at a distance vs resorbable poly-D-L-lactide foil fixed at a distance: 5-year results of a single-blind, randomised controlled trial.

PURPOSE: To report the 5-year outcomes of autogenous bone block grafts fixed at a distance (BBG-D) versus a resorbable poly-D-L-lactide foil fixed at a distance (SonicWeld Rx shell technique [SWST]) randomised controlled trial, for lateral alveolar ridge augmentation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty patients with a buccopalatal bone width of ≤ 3 mm were randomised into the following treatment groups: BBG-D and SWST. The implant survival, changes in bone morphology visualised in a cone beam computed tomography scan and periodontal parameters were assessed. RESULTS: Thirteen patients in the BBG-D group and seven in the SWST group could be included in the analysis. All implants that osseointegrated initially (BBG-D = 13 and SWST = 7) were functional at the 5-year re-evaluation. The buccopalatal bone width significantly (P < 0.001) decreased over time regardless of the study group. A bone loss of 0.00 mm was observed at the distal implant shoulder in the BBG-D group and 0.29 mm (SD 0.49 mm) in the SWST group (P = 0.04). The mean buccal bone loss was 2.56 mm (SD 3.65 mm) in the BBG-D group and 1.71 mm (SD 4.11 mm) in the SWST group (P = 0.64). The mean probing pocket depth was within sound limits in both groups without significant differences (P > 0.05). Bleeding on probing was low. CONCLUSIONS: Within the limitations of this study, a similar implant survival rate was observed between the BBG-D and SWST techniques during the 5-year follow-up. The buccopalatal bone width decreased over time regardless of the augmentation method used.

Lateral alveolar ridge augmentation with autogenous block grafts fixed at a distance versus resorbable Poly-D-L-Lactide foil fixed at a distance: A single-blind, randomized, controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to compare bone block grafts fixed at a distance (BBG-D) with the SonicWeld Rx shell technique (Poly-D-L-Lactide foil fixed at a distance, augmented with autogenous and deproteinized bovine bone particles (SWST)) for lateral alveolar ridge augmentation. METHODS: In this single-blinded, randomized, controlled trial, 30 patients with a bucco-palatal bone width of ≤3 mm were randomized into the treatment groups: "BBG-D" and "SWST". Bone width was measured with cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). One implant was placed at each grafted site. Frequencies of complications, bone gain and bone resorption in the CBCT were assessed as outcomes. RESULTS: Fifteen sites were augmented in each treatment group. One graft (7%) in the BBG-D group and five (33%) in the SWST group were lost (p = 0.17). In the SWST group, two implants (20%) were lost and none in the BBG-D group (p = 0.18). The rate of pooled severe complications (loss of graft and/or implant) was different (p = 0.035). Five (33%) wound dehiscences happened in the SWST group and none in the BBG-D group (p = 0.042). Seven (47%) nonsevere complications (wound dehiscence, inflammation, transient nerve injury) happened in the SWST group and one (7%) in the BBG-D group (p = 0.035). At the one-year evaluation, there were no significant differences in bone loss at the mesial, distal or buccal implant shoulder between treatment groups. CONCLUSIONS: Within the limitations of this study, the BBG-D method remains the gold standard for lateral alveolar ridge augmentation compared to the shell technique because of the lower complication rates.