Autogenous bone graft combined with polylactic polyglycolic acid polymer for treatment of dehiscence around immediate dental implants

The use of composite bone grafts in dehiscence defects around immediate dental implants are aimed at improving the outcome of the regenerative process. The present study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of combinations of autogenous bone graft with a synthetic copolymer polylactic and polyglycolic acid (Fisiograft) on bone healing of buccal dehiscence defects around immediate dental implants. Sixteen adult male patients who each received an immediate implant for a single tooth replacement at a maxillary anterior or premolar site were included in this study. Patients were divided into 2 groups. One group received immediate dental implants augmented with autogenous bone graft combined with Fisiograft. The other group received immediate dental implants augmented with autogenous bone graft alone. The results revealed that both treatment modalities led to significant improvements for the primary outcome regarding bone fill as well as a significant reduction of probing pocket depth and gain of attachment level. Moreover, there were slightly statistically significant differences between the groups. In conclusion, the combination of autogenous bone graft and Fisiograft showed a slight superiority to autogenous bone graft alone, suggesting that it could be an optimum bone substitute for treatment of dehiscence around immediate dental implant. (Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod 2009;108:e19-e25)