Long-term Prognosis of Vertical Ridge Augmentation Using the GBR Technique

Abstract

Guided bone regeneration (GBR) is considered to be the most versatile technique for vertical ridge augmentation (VRA). Vertically augmented bone shows a significant volume reduction in the short-term follow-up and shows similar marginal bone resorption in the long term as well as residual bone. However, in actual clinical practice, it is important not only to maintain the new bone volume, but also to maintain the oral function and esthetics over the long term. This report describes the long-term predictability of VRA through two cases followed up for more than 8 years after GBR and reviews the literature.