Clinical Applications and Success Rates of Guided Bone Regeneration in Ridge Augmentation

Guided bone regeneration (GBR) is a surgical approach designed to promote new bone growth in deficient sites, such as alveolar defects. It is primarily employed to restore adequate bone volume and facilitate dental implant placement. Ridge augmentation is a procedure aiming to increase the shape and volume of the alveolar ridge. One of the most common applications of GBR is ridge augmentation. However, comprehensive clinical data on the effectiveness of GBR in ridge augmentation remain limited. This review aims to explore current evidence for clinical applications of GBR in ridge augmentation, highlighting its success rates. GBR has shown effectiveness in horizontal ridge augmentation and vertical ridge augmentation. It can provide and protect a secluded space over a bone defect, which is then populated by bone-forming cells. Membranes used in GBR can be classified into non-resorbable and resorbable membranes. Non-resorbable membranes can be combined with various grafts, including allografts, xenografts, autografts, alloplasts, or combinations. Resorbable collagen membranes are used either alone or with space-maintaining aids such as tenting screws, titanium mesh, osteosynthesis plates, and simultaneous implants. GBR procedures should be carefully planned, considering individual defect characteristics and materials used.