Abstract
This paper aims to assess the postoperative evolution of edentulous patients treated by guided bone regeneration technique using a xenograft bone substitute (Cerabone) and collagen membrane. A group of 40 patients, programmed for guided bone regeneration, randomly divided between laser-assisted technique and scalpel technique, were investigated to compare the postoperative evolution, healing time and prevalence of new bone formation, graft stability and inflammatory reactions. The guided bone regeneration technique associated with laser or scalpel technique offers reliable and predictable treatment results in the implant-prosthetic treatments. The accelerated healing time recommends the laser technique in the surgical procedures used for the alveolar augmentation.
Keywords: alveolar augmentation; guided bone regeneration; bone xenograft; collagen membrane