Clinical Research Directory

Inclusion Criteria: * Patients that required an implant supported restoration and staged horizontal guided bone regeneration (defect of class IV according to Cawed and Howell) in both mandible or maxilla. * Patents able to understand and sign an informed consent. * Patients were to be 18 years or older with a residual horizontal ridge thickness of 4 mm or less (Cawood-Howell Class III- IV) in the intended implant site. * Smokers will be categorized into: 1) non smokers; 2) moderate smokers (smoking up to 10 cigarettes/day); 3) heavy smokers (smoking more than 11 cigarettes/day). Only categories 1 and 2 will be included. Exclusion Criteria: * General contraindications to implant surgery. * Patients irradiated in the head and neck area. * Immunosuppressed or immunocompromised patients. * Patients treated or under treatment with intravenous amino-bisphosphonates. * Patients with untreated periodontitis. * Patients with poor oral hygiene and motivation. * Uncontrolled diabetes. * Pregnancy or nursing. * Substance abuser. * Heavy smokers (smoking more than 11 cigarettes/day). * Psychiatric problems or unrealistic expectations. * Lack of opposite occluding dentition in the area intended for implant placement. * Immediate implants (extractive sites will have to be healed from 6-8 weeks). * Patients participating in other studies, if the present protocol cannot be properly adhered to. * Patients referred only for implant placement and cannot be followed ant the treating centre. * Patients unable to be followed for 5 years