Retrospective Study to Determine Clinical Outcomes of Bone Regeneration Procedures

Objectives: Guided bone regeneration (GBR) outcome is not predictable when applied to treat large combination type defects. The purpose of this retrospective study was to determine the rate of complications following GBR in a training center.
Methods: Patients who received GBR prior to dental implant placement and any possible corrective procedure at the same anatomical area within last 5 years were screened by using the scheduling/billing software. The time for the implant placement and crown delivery for the same site was recorded.
Results: Total of 141 cases (79 females; mean age 56±1.2 yrs) had necessary documentation to determine outcomes. Seventy-three (52%), 64 (45%) and 4 (3%) surgeries were performed by 3^rd, 2^nd and 1^st year residents, respectively. Eighteen (13%) cases (10 female; mean age 50±3.6 yrs) had corrective surgeries. Seven (39%) and eleven (61%) of these cases belonged to 3^rd and 2^nd year residents, respectively. 8(44%) sites were large size defects affecting 2 or more adjacent teeth. 7 sites (39%) were localized on lower posterior quadrant while 2(11%), 8(44%), 8(44%) and 2(11%) sites were on upper posterior, and upper and lower anterior quadrants, respectively. Seventy nine (56%) cases received their implants within 5.6±0.4 months following GBR and 56 (71%) of these patients had their implant supported restorations delivered within 9±1 months following implant placement. Among the 18 cases with corrective surgeries, 10 (56%) did not have a crown delivery date, 3 had crown within 4 to 8 months while 4 and 1 cases had their crowns delivered more than 12 and 24 months after implant placement, respectively.
Conclusions: Within the limits of this study, it appears that the incidence of secondary corrective surgeries prior to implant placement is low. Secondary surgeries cause significant delays in treatment. Anatomical location and the trainee’s experience level may be risk predictors for such complications.