Evaluation of horizontal ridge augmentation using beta tricalcium phosphate and demineralized bone matrix: A...

Area of Science:

• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Regenerative Medicine
• Biomaterials Science

Background:

• Localized horizontal maxillary alveolar ridge deficiencies pose challenges for dental implant placement.
• Guided Bone Regeneration (GBR) is a common technique for ridge augmentation.
• Beta tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) and Demineralized Bone Matrix (DBM) are biomaterials used in bone regeneration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the effectiveness of β-TCP alone versus a combination of β-TCP and DBM for regenerating horizontal maxillary alveolar ridge deficiencies.
• To evaluate bone regeneration using histological and radiographic assessments prior to implant placement.

Main Methods:

• A comparative study involving 20 patients with horizontal maxillary ridge deficiencies.
• Patients were divided into two groups: Group I (β-TCP only) and Group II (β-TCP and DBM).
• Ridge augmentation was performed using GBR principles, followed by a 6-month healing period, bone core retrieval, histological analysis, and Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) for dimensional changes.

Main Results:

• Group II (β-TCP + DBM) demonstrated a significantly higher mean percentage of mineralized bone (68.96%) compared to Group I (β-TCP only) (40.1%).
• Both groups showed an increase in ridge width, with Group II exhibiting slightly greater mean increases crestally (1.37 mm) and apically (2.44 mm), though not statistically significant.
• Histological analysis revealed superior bone mineralization in the group treated with both β-TCP and DBM.

Conclusions:

• The combination of DBM and β-TCP is effective for regenerating localized horizontal maxillary alveolar ridge defects.
• This combination shows promising results for bone augmentation prior to dental implant placement in cases with minimal defects.
• Further research may explore optimal ratios and long-term outcomes of DBM and β-TCP in ridge augmentation.