Buccal Bone Dimensional Changes Following Implant Placement and Guided Bone Regeneration With Submerged or Transmucosal Approach: A Cone Beam Computed Tomography Study

Objectives
The aim was to compare buccal bone dimensional changes following implant placement with simultaneous guided bone regeneration (GBR), using either a submerged or transmucosal healing approach.

Materials and Methods
In this randomized, controlled clinical study, twenty-eight patients with a single implant placed at a restorative-driven position and with at least 2 mm of the coronal aspect of the implant exposed were allocated to be treated with GBR, either with a submerged healing approach (SBM Group) or a transmucosal healing approach (TSM Group). Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) studies were taken immediately following treatment (T0) and at 4 months (T1). Vertical bone gain (VGAIN) was the primary outcome variable. Defect resolution, radiographic vertical defect height (RVDH), and radiographic bone thickness (RBT) were evaluated and compared.

Results
No significant differences were found between the groups for defect height resolution, VGAIN, RVDH, and RBT (p > 0.05). A significant reduction in RBT was found between T0 and T1 within the groups (p < 0.05).

Conclusion
The study found no significant differences in buccal bone dimensional changes between submerged and transmucosal healing approaches when implants were placed with simultaneous GBR.