Bone Substitutes in Alveolar Ridge Augmentation: A Narrative Literature Review
Source abstract
Abstract
Adequate alveolar bone volume is a prerequisite for predictable and long-term success in dental implant therapy. Physiological post-extraction remodeling frequently results in horizontal and vertical ridge deficiencies, which may compromise optimal implant placement. Guided bone regeneration (GBR) has become a cornerstone procedure in implant dentistry, with clinical outcomes largely influenced by the biological and mechanical characteristics of grafting materials. Different bone grafts and their combinations are currently clinically applicable, each exhibiting distinct osteogenic, osteoinductive, and osteoconductive properties, as well as varying resorption profiles and volumetric stability. This narrative review aims to analyze the biological principles of alveolar ridge augmentation, compare the properties of commonly used graft materials, evaluate clinical outcomes, and discuss emerging regenerative strategies. Literature published between 2000 and 2025 was assessed to synthesize current evidence regarding graft integration, bone formation, desorption dynamics, and clinical indications. Autogenous bone remains the gold standard due to its combined osteogenic, osteoinductive, and osteoconductive potential; however, its limitations have driven the development of alternative materials, including allografts, xenografts, alloplastic substitutes, demineralized tooth matrices, platelet concentrates, and customized scaffolds. While no single material is universally ideal, appropriate selection based on defect characteristics and clinical objectives is essential for predictable outcomes. Future research should prioritize long-term comparative trials, biomaterial standardization, and biologically enhanced regenerative approaches.
Source: crossref · Quality: baseline
Research context
OpenAlex topics: Dental Implant Techniques and Outcomes · Periodontal Regeneration and Treatments · Bone Tissue Engineering Materials
SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.
Affiliations
Clinic for Dentistry, Medical Faculty of the Military Medical Academy, University of Defence, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
Institute of Nuclear Medicine, Medical Faculty of the Military Medical Academy, University of Defence, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
Department of Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Pristina in Kosovska Mitrovica, 38220 Kosovska Mitrovica, Serbia
Clinic for Maxillofacial Surgery, Medical Faculty of the Military Medical Academy, University of Defence, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, 34000 Kragujevac, Serbia
Department of Dentistry, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, 34000 Kragujevac, Serbia
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