OBJECTIVETo evaluate the clinical short-term results of the acellular dermal matrix for guided bone regeneration.

METHODSSixty-four patients with bone defect in anterior maxillary area (average bone width: 3 mm) were included. Ridge-splitting technique with simultaneous placement of implants and artificial bone material implantation was performed in 21 patients (non-membrane group). Forty-three patients received the same procedure but with acellular dermal matrix covering the surgical sites (membrane group). The patients were followed up for three months and the new bone formation was checked in clinic and by X-ray.

RESULTSThree months after operation, the membrane group showed good osseointegration and high bone density over the implant cover screws. In the second operation, the membranes became thinner and the new bone fully covered the implant in the membrane group. The labial bone exhibited slight absorption and labial surface of 7 implants in 7 patients was exposed in non-membrane group. The width and the height of the ridge in the second operation were greater in membrane group than in non-membrane group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSThe acellular dermal matrix can effectively resist the growth of soft tissue to allow bone regeneration around the implant.