Key aspects on the use of bone substitutes for bone regeneration of edentulous ridges

To review the histological and clinical outcomes of the use of bone substitues in different oral bone regenerative procedures: socket preservation, immediate implant placement, lateral and vertical bone augmentation.

Histological animal studies and clinical trials regarding the performances of bone substitutes, either allogenic, xenogeneic or alloplastic, have been evaluated. Different procedures examined separately and evidence-based results were provided.

The use of deproteinized bovine bone mineral (DBBM) seems to be effective most clinical indications, due to their osteoconductivity, space maintenance characteristics and slow resorption. The combination of Hydroxyapatite and Beta Tricalcium Phospate (HA/TCP) has also reported similar histological evidence and clinical outcomes. The use of autogenous block grafts is still the method of choice in clinical situations in need of vertical bone augmentation.

The use of bone substitutes is the standard of therapy in current modalities of lateral bone augmentation, mainly when used in conjunction with implant placement.