Oral rehabilitation through the application of a xenogenous bone graft prior to placement of a dental implant: a case report with 9 years of follow-up

Abstract

Background: Implantology has been restoring dentition for decades with a quality never seen before. Currently, one of the largest challenges in oral rehabilitation using dental implants is bone reconstruction after tooth extraction. Bone reconstruction can be difficult because of residual bone defects caused by endodontic lesions, root fractures, periodontal involvement, or even the surgical stage. These factors can cause a reduction in the height and width of the alveolar bone, which leads to a lack of sufficient residual bone that can be used for implant placement. Lack of this residual bone can therefore impact upon locking, primary stability, and bone preservation. Guided bone regeneration is a highly useful technique for repairing critical defects. However, it is not a simple technique. It has a straightforward concept and technique, but its execution must be performed with great accuracy to ensure a satisfactory result. Successful cases using this precise technique provide valuable tips for performing guided bone regeneration in an outpatient setting, and with the addition of exams such as the histopathological examination of the bone involved, it is possible to confirm the health and further preservation of this regeneration. Case Description: This case report aims to discuss the parameters related to guided bone regeneration. It presents an alternative approach and illustrates the main features of a successful clinical case where a lyophilized bovine bone graft was used together with a bovine cortical membrane, in a 23-year-old female patient who presented a post-extraction bone defect characterized as a four-walled defect in the upper left canine region. Bringing as a differential some histological sections confirming the stage of maturation and health of the repaired bone tissue. Conclusions: The case presented excellent results and had clinical imaging follow-up 9 years after the intervention. As observed in the histopathological examination, the bone quality, together with the vascularization of the regenerated tissue, were indicative of a good adhesion of the grafted material to the bone defect, which allowed excellent conditions for its maintenance. Demonstrating the longevity and effectiveness of the technique when properly indicated.