Vertical Guided Bone Regeneration with Recombinant Human Bone Morphogenetic Protein-2: A Retrospective Evaluation of Two Clinical Cases

Objectives: The present study evaluated the effectiveness of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) application in vertical augmentation of the severely resorbed mandibular alveolar ridges for dental implant placement. Material and Methods: Two alveolar ridge defects in two patients were reconstructed with composite grafts contained in a titanium mesh. Composite grafts consisted of rhBMP-2/absorbable collagen sponge (ACS) mixed with deproteinized bovine bone mineral (DBBM) in a 1:1 ratio. A total of five dental implants were placed in two patients. The results of bone augmentation were analyzed clinically and radiologically. Results: The healing period was uneventful. Both patients showed radiographic signs of bone formation by as early as 7 months after surgery. At the time of re-entry for implant placement, an adequate volume of viable bone was observed, allowing for the implants to be placed successfully without any issues. The overall dental implant success and survival rates were 100% and remained unchanged at a follow-up period of 1 to 4 years. Conclusions: The results of this study demonstrated that a composite graft of rhBMP-2/ACS and DBBM can result in predictable reconstruction of a large bone volume of the alveolar ridges for dental implant placement and functional loading.