Bone changes following horizontal bone augmentation with resorbable and non-resorbable membranes: a retrospective study

Alveolar bone augmentation (ABA) procedures are performed using a variety of substitute; however, studies comparing non-resorbable (NRM) and resorbable (RCM) membranes for horizontal ABA are limited. The objective of the present study is to conduct a radiologically comparison of the RCM and NRM on bone changes (BC), utilized in horizontal ABA treatment of edentulous sites. The present retrospective-designed study included patients who had received horizontal ABA treatment and, had pre- (T0) and post-treatment (T1) cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans were automatically superimposed by Dolphin Software. Two groups were defined in the study: horizontal ABA treatment with RCM and/or NRM. Radiographic measurements such as ridge width(RW), ridge height (RH), ridge angulation (RA), concavity location (CL), concavity depth (CD), cortical bone thickness (CT) on horizontal and vertical BC at 1, 3, 6, 9 and, 12 mm from the alveolar crest. Logistic regression analysis was applied. Horizontal BC were not statistically significantly different between NRM and RCM at all levels. Membrane stabilization type, RA (T0) and CT-lingual/palatal variables had statistically significant effects on horizontal BC (1 mm); the CA-T0 measurement among the variables of interest had a statistically significant effect on horizontal BC (3 mm) and horizontal BC (6 mm). CD-T0 and CT-coronal values showed a statistically significant association with bone gain; however, the magnitude of this effect per unit increase was limited. Non-resorbable membranes used for horizontal augmentation may be particularly important for stabilization at the alveolar crest. It has been shown that membrane stabilization type, radiographic angles and measurements may be also alter bone changes, highlighting the importance of preoperative radiographic evaluation. However, prospective studies with a more homogeneous distribution are needed.