Effect of Barrier Membranes and Autologous Bone Grafts on Ridge Width Preservation Around Implants

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to explore the effect of barrier membranes and autologous bone grafts on the preservation of ridge width around implants. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty-one patients were chosen from a database of case series; treatment assignment was based on clinical judgment. The patients received a total of 76 implants: 34 implants with guided tissue regeneration procedures, 27 with autologous bone grafts, and 15 without ridge preservation procedures (control group). RESULTS: The ridge width around the 76 implants decreased an average of 1.4 mm (95% CI, -1.9 to -1.1 mm). Implants placed with autologous bone grafts or membranes tended to have worse outcomes. When compared to the no augmentation group, implants placed with guided tissue regeneration and autologous bone grafts resulted in 0.1 mm of additional bone loss (95% CI, -1.7 to -1.5 mm; p < .93) and 0.8 mm of additional bone loss (95% CI, -2.3 to 0.7 mm; p < .28), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Autologous graft procedures or barrier membranes do not appear to improve crestal ridge preservation around implants.