Not yet recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

The Effect of IPD on Lateral Bone Augmentation

This study investigates different ways to rebuild bone during dental implant surgery. Sometimes, extra bone needs to be added to support a dental implant, a procedure called Guided Bone Regeneration (GBR). Researchers want to see if the amount of new bone that grows back depends on a person's original bone shape. We're comparing two approaches: one where bone is added only up to your natural bone line, and another where a little extra bone is added beyond that. Over about a year, the study will check bone healing, gum health, how well the implant works, and how happy patients are with the results. This will help dentists understand the best way to achieve lasting implant stability.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Queen Mary University of London

Enrolment target

Start

01 Jun 2026

Estimated completion

01 Jun 2029

Guided Bone Regeneration Bone Resorption Diagnostic Imaging

What is this study about?

When you have a dental implant fitted, sometimes there isn't quite enough bone to support it properly. In these cases, dentists can carry out a procedure called Guided Bone Regeneration (GBR) to encourage new bone to grow. This helps make the implant stronger and can improve how it looks in the long run. This study is exploring different ways of doing this GBR procedure.

The main idea is to see if the amount of new bone that grows back, and how stable it is, depends on your natural bone shape. We're comparing two slightly different ways of adding bone: one where the new bone is built up to match your original bone line, and another where we intentionally add a small amount of extra bone, going slightly beyond that original line. The aim is to find out which of these approaches might lead to better, more predictable results for patients.

Over roughly a year, we'll be carefully monitoring various aspects. This includes how well the bone and gums heal, checking blood flow in the gums, seeing how successful the dental implant is, and importantly, understanding how satisfied patients are with their new teeth. The findings from this research could help guide dentists in choosing the most effective way to rebuild bone for dental implants in the future.

Key takeaways

This study compares two ways of adding bone during dental implant surgery.
It aims to find the best method for stable, long-lasting dental implants.
Participation involves dental implant surgery, bone grafting, and follow-up visits over 16-18 months.
Scans will be used to monitor bone healing and changes.
The study is for generally healthy adults needing an implant in the upper front/side jaw.
Your involvement helps improve future dental care for others.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for adults aged 18 or over who are generally healthy, both physically and mentally. You'll need to have good gum health with clean teeth.

To be eligible, you must need a dental implant in the front or side part of your upper jaw (where your incisors, canines, or premolars are) to replace a missing tooth or teeth. Your upper jaw should be relatively symmetrical, and you need to have at least one natural tooth next to the implant site with healthy gums. You'll also need to have enough bone deeper down and towards the roof of your mouth to place the implant initially.

There are also some reasons why you might not be able to join. These include having certain medical conditions that affect your bones, such as severe uncontrolled diabetes or osteoporosis, or if you've had an organ transplant. If you smoke more than 10 cigarettes a day, use e-cigarettes, or regularly drink a lot of alcohol or use recreational drugs, you wouldn't be suitable. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, or people taking certain long-term medications that can affect bones or oral health, would also not be able to take part.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you over 18 years old?
Are you generally in good physical and mental health?
Do you need a dental implant in your upper front or side jaw?
Are your gums generally healthy, and do you have good oral hygiene?
Are you comfortable attending multiple study visits over about 1.5 years?
Are you not pregnant or breastfeeding, and do you not smoke heavily or use e-cigarettes?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join this study, you would undergo dental implant surgery with a bone grafting procedure. You'll then have a series of visits, totalling 12 appointments over approximately 16 to 18 months. These visits will involve check-ups to monitor your healing, gum health, and the implant's progress. We will take special X-ray scans (called CBCT scans) to carefully measure changes in your jaw bone around the implant area over time. You won't be given any additional medication for the study, but the dental implant procedure itself will follow standard practices. Your participation will involve attending all scheduled appointments and providing feedback on your satisfaction with the results.

Potential risks and benefits

There are no direct personal benefits from taking part in this study, but your contribution will help improve future dental care for others needing implants. You might experience the usual risks associated with dental implant surgery and bone grafting, such as swelling, discomfort, or infection, which will be managed by the dental team. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual medical care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Barts Health NHS Trust Dental Hospital
Verified postcode
London, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is Guided Bone Regeneration (GBR)?

It's a dental procedure where extra bone material is used to help new bone grow around a dental implant, making it stronger and more stable.

Will I know which treatment group I'm in?

You will be assigned to one of two groups for your bone graft: one where bone is built up to your natural line, or one where a little extra is added. This is usually decided randomly.

How long will the study last?

You'll be involved in the study for about 16 to 18 months, which includes the implant procedure and follow-up appointments.

Where will the study take place?

The main UK study centre is at The Royal London Dental Hospital, part of Queen Mary University of London.

What kind of scans will I have?

You'll have special 3D X-ray scans, called CBCT scans, which will help us see how your bone changes over time around the implant.

How to find out more

Miljana Bacevic, DDS, PhD

bhnt.clinicaloralresearchcentre@nhs.net 02078828641 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.