Targeted Alveolar Ridge Augmentation for Patient-Centered Dental Implant Site Development.

Abstract

Introduction: Guided bone regeneration (GBR) is the most commonly utilized procedure for augmenting deficient alveolar ridges in support of dental implant placement. In a GBR procedure, barrier membrane dimensions, bone graft volume, and surgical complexity may influence the risk of postsurgical morbidity.

Case presentation: A 25-year-old female in good general health received GBR at two mandibular first molar sites exhibiting horizontal ridge deficiency. High-density polytetrafluoroethylene membranes were intentionally limited in size, and small-volume freeze-dried bone allografts were applied only where clinically beneficial for implant site development. Treatment resulted in clinically favorable ridge augmentation with no appreciable swelling and minimal postoperative discomfort.

Conclusion: At dental implant sites exhibiting modest alveolar ridge deficiency, limiting GBR barrier membrane dimensions and bone graft volumes may enhance patient-centered outcomes while accomplishing clinical goals.