Periosteal Sutures Versus Titanium Tacks for Guided Bone Re-generation in the Aesthetic Zone: a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

Guided bone regeneration (GBR) performed simultaneously with dental implant placement is a widely used approach to rebuild deficient alveolar ridges in the anterior maxilla (aesthetic zone). Predictable GBR relies on two key conditions: (1) the creation and maintenance of a stable regenerative compartment that protects the graft during early healing, and (2) tension-free primary soft-tissue closure capable of preserving that compartment throughout the regenerative phase. In clinical practice, graft and membrane stabilization is often achieved using titanium fixation devices (e.g., tacks or pins). While titanium tacks can provide rigid immobilization, they add hardware and procedural steps and may require removal during re-entry procedures. Periosteal mattress sutures have been proposed as a hardware-free alternative for stabilization by anchoring the graft and membrane apically and laterally, potentially limiting micromotion without the need for fixation devices.

This pilot randomized controlled clinical study evaluates whether a periosteal mattress suture technique provides postoperative buccal bone regeneration outcomes comparable to those achieved with titanium tacks when performing horizontal GBR in the anterior maxilla together with implant placement. The study is conducted in a hospital-based periodontics setting and was approved by the appropriate scientific ethics committee. All participants provide written informed consent prior to any study-related procedures, and participation is voluntary.

Study design and setting

This is a parallel-arm, randomized controlled clinical trial conducted at the Periodontics Clinic/Dental Unit of Hospital San Camilo. Eligible patients seeking implant therapy in the anterior maxilla are consecutively screened. Those who require horizontal GBR at the time of implant placement and meet eligibility criteria are invited to participate. Random allocation assigns participants to one of two stabilization approaches used during GBR:

Stabilization with titanium tacks (hardware fixation)

Stabilization with periosteal mattress sutures (hardware-free fixation)

To minimize bias in assessments, clinical data collection and radiographic measurements are performed by trained and calibrated personnel who are not involved in the surgical procedures.

Participants and informed consent Potential participants are adults requiring implant therapy in the anterior maxilla and presenting with horizontal ridge deficiency where simultaneous GBR is clinically indicated. Standard clinical and medical screening is conducted to identify contraindications to implant surgery and/or regenerative procedures. Participation is explained verbally and in writing by a trained investigator, and written informed consent is obtained. Participants may withdraw at any time without penalty or loss of benefits to which they are otherwise entitled.

Interventions and surgical procedures

All implants are placed in healed ridges using a standardized surgical approach. Buccal augmentation is performed using a xenogeneic composite collagenated bovine block graft (deproteinized bovine mineral integrated within a collagen matrix) shaped to the recipient site to restore buccolingual contour. The graft is covered with a resorbable collagen membrane. The two study arms differ only in the method used to stabilize the graft and membrane:

Titanium tack group: The graft and/or membrane is secured using titanium tacks to provide rigid fixation.

Periosteal suture group: Stabilization is achieved using a periosteal mattress suture technique. This approach uses vertically oriented periosteal sutures to immobilize the graft laterally, supplemented by a horizontal mattress suture between flap edges to reduce the risk of apical displacement.

In both groups, flap advancement and closure are performed to achieve tension-free primary closure, using standardized soft-tissue management techniques appropriate for GBR in the aesthetic zone.

Study visits and follow-up After consent, a baseline clinical and radiographic assessment is performed, which includes diagnostic imaging and digital impressions. Participants then undergo implant placement with simultaneous GBR according to the assigned stabilization method. Postoperative follow-up includes early healing assessments and suture management (as clinically indicated), with additional follow-up visits consistent with institutional implant protocols. Long-term healing is evaluated at approximately six months, at which time a follow-up CBCT scan and digital impressions are obtained for quantitative evaluation of regenerated tissues.

Outcomes and assessments (overview) Radiographic outcomes are assessed using standardized cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) acquisition protocols. Buccal bone dimensions are evaluated around the implant site at predefined reference levels apical to the implant platform, allowing comparison of postoperative buccal bone thickness between groups. A derived measure of the reconstructed buccal bone contour/area across the evaluated region may also be calculated to provide an integrated assessment of the buccal bone envelope. Clinical observations during follow-up (including healing quality and any complications) are documented according to protocol.

Imaging and radiation safety Participation involves two CBCT scans. CBCT imaging uses ionizing radiation; therefore, risk minimization measures are implemented. Imaging is performed using CBCT (rather than a conventional hospital CT scanner) to reduce radiation exposure, and participants use a lead apron to further decrease dose.

Potential benefits and risks Participants are not expected to receive a direct benefit from taking part in the study beyond the standard-of-care implant and GBR procedure they require clinically. The main study-related risk is exposure to ionizing radiation from CBCT imaging; measures are in place to minimize this exposure. Surgical risks are those typically associated with implant placement and guided bone regeneration procedures and are managed according to standard clinical protocols and follow-up.

Confidentiality and data handling Participant confidentiality is maintained throughout the study. Personal identifiers are protected, study records are stored securely with restricted access, and analyses use de-identified data whenever possible. Only authorized study personnel have access to identifiable information, and data are handled according to applicable regulations and institutional policies.

Funding and support The study is funded/supported by the sponsor, who provides the regenerative biomaterials used in the study and covers study-related radiographic examinations and laboratory costs as described in the informed consent documentation.