Investigation of volumetric changes in recipient sites in atrophic alveolar crests vertically and/or horizontally augmented with polylactic co-glycolic acid (PLGA) block graft and autogenous dentin block graft

Resorption occurring in the alveolar ridge complicates the planning of implant-supported prosthetic rehabilitations and necessitates additional surgical procedures. Achieving sufficient bone volume and width through bone augmentation techniques is of critical importance. In this study, the effects of autogenous dentin block and PLGA+β-TCP-containing alloplastic block grafts on bone gain and volumetric changes in atrophic alveolar ridges were retrospectively evaluated. A total of 65 augmentation sites from 41 patients with horizontal and/or vertical bone loss were included. Following augmentation procedures performed with PLGA block grafts (n=32) and autogenous dentin block grafts (n=33), volumetric and horizontal evaluations were conducted using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images obtained preoperatively and at 6 months postoperatively. Data were also analyzed in relation to variables such as jaw (maxilla/mandible), region (anterior/posterior), age, and gender. A t-PRF membrane was used as a barrier in all cases. The analysis revealed that the mean volume increase was 48.48%, and horizontal width gain was 1.84±1.04 mm in the PLGA group. In the dentin group, these values were 49.04% and 2.08±0.96 mm, respectively. Both groups showed significant improvements compared to pre-augmentation values; however, the difference between the groups was not statistically significant (p>0.05). Variables such as age, gender, and jaw type did not have a significant effect on bone gain. A significantly greater horizontal bone increase was observed in the posterior region compared to the anterior region only in the dentin block group. Complications were observed in 2 patients in the dentin group and 5 patients in the PLGA group; all cases were fully resolved with additional treatments, and no neurological complications were noted in either group. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of complications. PLGA block grafts stood out due to their biocompatibility and moldable properties, while autogenous dentin grafts offered advantages such as the absence of a secondary surgical site, osteoinductive potential, and low resorption rates. No studies directly comparing PLGA and dentin block grafts have been identified in the literature. The findings indicate that both grafts provide minimally invasive, safe, and effective alternatives. Further studies with larger sample sizes and long-term follow-up are needed to better evaluate the long-term stability, resorption rates, and implant success of PLGA and dentin block grafts.