Lateral alveolar ridge augmentation using an equine-derived collagen-containing bone block: A prospective case series.

Objectives: To assess the clinical performance of an equine-derived collagen-containing bone block (CXBB) for lateral alveolar ridge augmentation and staged implant placement.

Material And Methods: A total of n = 16 patients (16 implants) had received a modified surgical protocol for lateral ridge augmentation using a size-adapted rigidly fixed CXBB and contour augmentation. After 26 weeks of submerged healing, the primary endpoint was defined as the final ridge width (RW26) sufficient to place an adequately dimensioned titanium implant at the respective sites. Secondary outcomes included the gain in ridge width (RWg) and the need for secondary grafting. Clinical outcomes (bleeding on probing-BOP, probing depth-PD, and mucosal recession-MR) were assessed at implant loading and after a median observation period of 12.3 months.

Results: In all patients (n = 16) investigated, RW26 allowed for a successful placement of an adequately dimensioned titanium implant at respective sites exhibiting mean RWg values of 5.09 ± 1.07 mm. A soft tissue dehiscence was noted in one patient (6.3%), and a secondary grafting was needed in two patients (12.5%) The changes in mean BOP, PD, and MR values at V9 amounted to 10.23 ± 30.11%, 0.14 ± 0.80 mm, and -0.01 ± 0.04 mm, respectively.

Conclusions: CXBB may represent a feasible approach for lateral alveolar ridge augmentation and two-stage implant placement.