Deproteinized bovine bone block for horizontal ridge augmentation: A clinical split-mouth prospective study – part I, clinical and radiographic evaluation

ABSTRACT Objectives This study evaluated the maxillary ridge reconstruction with deproteinized bovine bone block (DBBM) compared to autogenous bone graft from the mandibular ramus (AB). Materials and methods Twelve patients with edentulous atrophic maxillary ridges were submitted to reconstruction surgery. Each side of the anterior maxilla received a type of graft, according to randomization: AB or DBBM. CBCT volumes of the alveolar ridges were acquired at three moments: pre-augmentation (T0), post-augmentation (T1), and pre-implants (T2). Also, thickness of alveolar ridges was measured intra-operative, in three standardized positions, in three moments: T0, T1 and T2. Nine months after grafting procedure (T2), implants were installed following an “all-on-four” protocol and the intra-operative thickness was assessed again. Also, implant torque and implant stability quotient (ISQ) were measured. The clinical follow-up was performed for at least six months after implant placement, and complications were recorded in the patient's chart. Results Five patients (3 from AB, 2 from DBBM) presented one or more complications. as wound dehiscence and graft exposure, with a mean time of 74.2 days after surgery. Three patients presented complications of the donor site. The volumetric changes were not statically different between AB and DBBM. Resorption percentages in the CBCT volumes were 10.83% ± 8.23 (AB) and 16.73% ± 8.01 (DBBM). The intra-operative bone thickness was increased by 3.7 mm ± 9.7 in AB and 4.5 mm ± 8.3 in DBBM. Torque and ISQ were equal in the anterior placed implants of both groups. Conclusion DBBM presented as a viable alternative for maxillary horizontal augmentation.