Comparative Evaluation of Growth Factor Bioavailability-Enhanced Allograft Vs Autogenous Bone Graft in Anterior Maxillary Ridge Augmentation.

BACKGROUND

Alveolar ridge deficiencies following trauma, tooth loss, or endodontic pathology may compromise implant placement in the anterior maxilla. While autogenous bone grafting remains the benchmark, a growth factor bioavailability-enhanced allograft (GFBA) has been developed as an alternative.

CASE PRESENTATION: A 44-year-old man presented for implant rehabilitation in the anterior maxilla. Tooth No. 8 was missing due to trauma that occurred approximately 20 years prior. Cone-beam computed tomography findings for site No. 8 showed an atrophic alveolar ridge with intact cortical plates and no intraosseous pathology, but insufficient ridge volume. Tooth No. 7 had been previously endodontically treated and exhibited periapical rarefying osteitis, buccal cortical plate dehiscence, and widening of the periodontal ligament space, consistent with a persistent inflammatory process. Treatment involved extraction of tooth No. 7 with socket debridement and grafting using a GFBA and ridge augmentation at site No. 8 using an autogenous ramus block graft.

RESULTS

At 11 months, both sites demonstrated successful ridge augmentation. The GFBA site showed a homogeneous trabecular pattern and advanced integration, while the autogenous graft demonstrated ongoing remodeling and graft integration. Implants were placed successfully at both sites, with follow-up radiographs confirming stable peri-implant bone levels and successful osseointegration.

CONCLUSION

GFBA may serve as an alternative to autogenous bone grafting in moderate ridge defects.