Cone beam computed tomography evaluation of staged lateral ridge augmentation using platelet-rich fibrin or resorbable collagen membranes in a randomized controlled clinical trial.

Objectives: To evaluate the volumetric changes following lateral alveolar ridge augmentation using autogenous bone graft covered by either a platelet-rich fibrin membrane (test group) or an inorganic bovine bone substitute and a resorbable collagen barrier membrane (control group).

Material And Methods: A total of 27 partially edentulous patients (test n = 14, control n = 13) with the indication for lateral bone block augmentation were included in this randomized, controlled clinical trial. Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) examination was performed prior to grafting and 2 weeks and 6 months after grafting. The volumetric changes between the various examinations times were evaluated by planimetric measurements on two-dimensional CBCT images of the grafted regions.

Results: The mean bone volumetric loss in the test group was 14.7%, SD ±8.9%, while the mean bone volume loss in the control group was 17.8%, SD ±13.3%. This difference was not significant (p = 0.48). A total of ten patients were operated in the incisor and canine region with a mean bone volume loss of 23.41% SD, ±10.87%, while 17 patients were operated in the premolar region with a mean bone volume loss of 11.89% SD ±9.05%. This difference was significant (p = 0.01).

Conclusion: The test and control group demonstrated no overall difference in volumetric bone changes of the augmented bone at the 6-month follow-up. The second major finding revealed a significantly larger amount of bone resorption in the incisor and canine region than in the premolar region of the maxilla, particularly in the control group.