A method for cone-beam computed tomography volumetric evaluation of lyophilized bovine bone block for alveolar ridge augmentation: a retrospective study

Background: In the present days there are a myriad of bone substitutes available to maxillary reconstruction. Among them, bovine xenograft particulate is a well-known bone substitute and widely used in implantology, such filling the fresh extracted sockets or as filler for sinus floor elevation. However, few studies have been reported the use of a block from that origin to horizontal alveolar ridge augmentation previous dental implants installation. The aim of this study was to assess the mineralized tissue volume after horizontal ridge augmentation with lyophilized bovine bone block. Methods: This cross-sectional observational study was conducted according to STROBE statement. Files from adult patients who underwent maxillary augmentation procedures previous to implant placement, between 2010 and 2016, were screened following inclusion criteria. Cone beam computed tomographies were taken previously to the reconstruction and at least after 8 months later, previously to dental implants surgery. Results: Eleven grafted areas were evaluated in a sample of 9 postoperative tomography by the OSIRIX lite v 8.0.2 software, using "pencil" tools for manual selection of the grafted area, slice by slice, and then "volume ROI" and "calculate volume" program tools. The results obtained showed a volumetric gain of 283.9 mm3. Conclusions: Thus, it was possible to conclude that lyophilized bovine bone block provides enough volume gain in horizontal ridge augmentation techniques.