Guided Bone Regeneration Combined With PRGF for Atrophic Edentulous Maxilla

Severe atrophy of the edentulous maxilla may limit fixed implant-supported rehabilitation because of insufficient residual alveolar ridge height and width. Guided bone regeneration is used to reconstruct deficient ridges before implant placement, while plasma rich in growth factors may provide an autologous fibrin matrix enriched with platelet-derived mediators.

This prospective clinical study assessed a guided bone regeneration protocol combined with plasma rich in growth factors for reconstruction of the atrophic edentulous maxilla. Eligible participants presented with an edentulous atrophic maxilla requiring vertical and/or horizontal ridge augmentation before implant placement. The surgical protocol included guided bone regeneration using a composite graft of autogenous bone and anorganic bovine bone mineral in a 60:40 ratio, combined with plasma rich in growth factors prepared from autologous blood. The grafted area was covered with a barrier membrane stabilised with titanium pins. Titanium-reinforced PTFE membranes were used for defects requiring vertical space maintenance, while collagen membranes were used for horizontal augmentations. Lateral-window sinus floor elevation was performed simultaneously when indicated by posterior maxillary anatomy.

Cone-beam computed tomography was obtained pre-surgically, immediately post-operatively, at 6-9 months, and at 12 months. Linear vertical and horizontal bone measurements were performed at three standardised maxillary reference sites: the lateral wall of the nasal cavity, the medial wall of the maxillary sinus, and the zygomatic apophysis. Bone gain was calculated in millimetres and as percentage change relative to the pre-surgical dimension. Graft resorption was calculated between the immediate post-operative and 12-month assessments. Implant placement and intraoperative or postoperative complications were also recorded.

Inclusion criteria

Age 18 years or older. Fully edentulous maxilla requiring implant-supported fixed oral rehabilitation. Atrophic maxillary alveolar ridge requiring vertical and/or horizontal bone augmentation before implant placement.

Residual alveolar ridge width below 6 mm and/or residual bone height below 10 mm, as assessed by cone-beam computed tomography.

ASA physical status I or II. Clinical indication for guided bone regeneration, with or without simultaneous maxillary sinus floor elevation.

Adequate oral hygiene and willingness to comply with postoperative instructions and follow-up visits.

Written informed consent provided.

Exclusion criteria

ASA physical status III or higher. Uncontrolled systemic disease contraindicating oral surgery or bone regenerative procedures.

Uncontrolled diabetes mellitus or other systemic condition expected to impair wound healing or bone regeneration.

History of radiotherapy to the head and neck region. Current or previous intravenous antiresorptive or antiangiogenic therapy associated with risk of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw.

Active oral infection at the surgical site. Untreated periodontal disease or poor oral hygiene incompatible with regenerative surgery.

Heavy smoking or unwillingness to comply with perioperative smoking restrictions.

Pregnancy or breastfeeding. Inability to understand the study procedures or provide informed consent. Inability or unwillingness to attend scheduled follow-up visits. Any medical, anatomical, or behavioural condition judged by the investigator to interfere with surgery, healing, follow-up, or interpretation of outcomes.