Long‐term outcomes of simultaneous guided bone regeneration using native and cross‐linked collagen membranes after 8 years

Objectives To assess the clinical outcomes of simultaneous guided bone regeneration using native ( CM ) and cross‐linked ( VN ) collagen membranes at 8 years. Materials and methods A total of n  = 19 patients (19 implants) were available for the analysis. Each subject had received a simultaneous grafting of dehiscence‐type defects using a natural bone mineral ( NBM ) and a random allocation to either CM and VN membranes (submerged healing of 4 months). Clinical parameters (e.g., bleeding on probing – BOP , probing pocket depth – PD , mucosal recession – MR , clinical attachment level – CAL ) were recorded at 8 years after prosthesis installation. Results At 8 years, CM and VN groups revealed comparable median BOP , PD , MR and CAL values at both vestibular and oral aspects. From 4 to 8 years ( n  = 14 patients), median CAL at the vestibular aspect improved in both groups; however, these changes were significantly higher at CM ‐treated sites ( CM : 0.7 mm vs. VN : 0.5 mm). Conclusion The clinical long‐term outcomes at 8 years were comparable in both VN and CM groups.