Dental CE: Setting the Tone: Guided Bone Regeneration Techniques by Dr. LeRoy Horton

A step-by-step case presentation sharing proper guided bone regeneration techniques

Course description
This course introduces beginning-level guided bone regeneration principles via a step-by-step case presentation and specific strategies that will aid in surgical, restorative and aesthetic success. This particular protocol is a streamlined process for the solo general practitioner of moderate implant experience who is responsible for the surgical and restorative phases.

Abstract
In a world of increasing life spans and an ever-growing popularity of dental implants, dentists increasingly encounter patients with edentulous sites and deficient bone who are seeking implant therapy. At some point in our career as implantologists, we go beyond the straightforward implant in the already-developed site, as well as the standard socket-preservation bone graft. Many of our patients have teeth extracted when a graft is cost-prohibitive or in settings where future implant placement is not a consideration. When this is the case, bone preservation or guided regeneration is not offered. They may then present with edentulous sites that are deficient not only potentially from the extraction process but also from shrinkage because of the time that has passed.

This course demonstrates, via case presentation, some basic concepts in performing a single-site “onlay” graft to augment a deficient site. The generally accepted pillars of bone grafting are primary wound closure, angiogenesis, space maintenance and wound stability. I chose a scenario that I have found common in my specialty that will demonstrate all four pillars. This example of guided bone regeneration (GBR), when performed correctly with the right materials, can offer a high level of success for the future implant integration and stability of the subsequent restoration.¹

Educational objectives
After reading this article, participants should understand the following:

1. Understand restorative-driven surgical strategies.
2. Understand flap design and bone preparation.
3. Use autologous platelet products in surgery.
4. Understand bone graft and barrier membrane options.

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