Comparing two methods for bone ridge augmentation before dental implants

Lateral Ridge Augmentation Using Allograft Bone Particles Hydrated With or Without Recombinant Human Platelet-Derived Growth Factor: A Clinical and Histological Randomized Controlled Trial

NA · University of Alabama at Birmingham · NCT04954664

This study is testing two different ways to help patients get enough bone for dental implants to see which method works better for healing.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment44 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 99 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham (other)
Locations1 site (Birmingham, Alabama)
Trial IDNCT04954664 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to compare the effectiveness of two techniques for increasing ridge dimensions in patients preparing for dental implants. One technique uses bone particulate allograft hydrated with recombinant human platelet-derived growth factor (rhPDGF), while the other uses the same allograft hydrated with saline. The study is prospective, randomized, and examiner-only-masked, involving bone core biopsies and clinical measurements at two time points to assess healing differences. Cone beam computed tomography scans will also be utilized to monitor bone health before and after the augmentation.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are English-speaking adults over 18 with insufficient alveolar ridge width for dental implants.

Not a fit: Patients who are non-English speaking, under 18, smokers, or have systemic conditions affecting healing may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance the success rate of dental implants by improving bone ridge dimensions.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results with similar approaches using growth factors in bone augmentation.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* English speaking
* At least 18 years old
* Must be a patient of the UAB Dental School
* Able to read and understand informed consent document
* Need for implants to replace missing tooth or teeth in at least one quadrant of the mouth.
* Insufficient alveolar ridge width for endosseous implant placement defined as 5mm or less as determined by bone sounding and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scan.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Non-English speaking
* Less than 18 years old
* Smokers/tobacco users (\>10 cigarettes/day)
* Patients with systemic pathologies or conditions contraindicating oral surgical procedures or adversely affecting wound healing
* Patient is a poor compliance risk (i.e., poor oral hygiene, history of alcohol or drug abuse)
* Vertical loss of bone at edentulous ridge.

Where this trial is running

Birmingham, Alabama

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Dental Implant, Bone Loss, New bone, Dental implants

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.