Vertical ridge augmentation with a collagen membrane, bovine bone mineral and fibrin sealer: clinical and histologic findings.

This study evaluated the treatment of alveolar bone deficiencies combined with dental implant placement. Thirty-five endosseous implants were inserted into 20 patients. After implant placement, the mean height of the supracrestal bone defects measured 4.25 ± 1.34 mm. Bone regeneration procedures were performed using a combination of a bovine bone-derived mineral stabilized with a fibrin-fibronectin sealing system and covered with a bilayered porcine collagen membrane. Healing was uneventful in all instances with maintenance of primary closure throughout the healing period. Stage-two surgery was performed after 6 months, and a hard bonelike tissue was detectable at the defect sites. Histologic examination confirmed the presence of newly formed bone with residual particles of xenograft. The mean bone gain was 3.95 ± 1.47 mm. The positive outcomes in terms of bone regeneration and low complication rate demonstrated the potential of this technique for the treatment of supracrestal ridge deficiencies. Bovine bone mineral combined with a fibrin sealer and protected by a collagen membrane should be considered as an alternative in the treatment of vertical peri-implant bone defects.