Evaluation of the frequency of hard tissue augmentation material usage in dental implant surgery based on different specialties

Aim: This study aimed to investigate the preference profiles of periodontists and oral, dental and maxillofacial (ODM) surgeons regarding graft and membrane biomaterials used in sinus augmentation and horizontal/vertical augmentation procedures. Material and Methods: This cross-sectional study included 180 specialists in ODM Surgery (n = 90) and Periodontology (n = 90) who were employed in state institutions or the private sector between February 2021 and August 2021. The surveys collected demographic data and information on various factors, including specialty, years of experience as a specialist, the number of implants placed in the past year, the proportion of patients requiring hard tissue augmentation, and the types of biomaterials and barrier membranes used in sinus and horizontal/vertical augmentation procedures. Results: The mean age of participants was 33.7 ± 6.3 years and 55.6% were male. Both specialties demonstrated a preference for xenografts and absorbable membranes in sinus augmentation, with an increasing tendency as specialty experience grew. Periodontists more frequently used xenografts for horizontal augmentation, whereas ODM surgeons showed a higher preference for autogenous grafts in vertical augmentation. The use of combined grafting techniques in both horizontal and vertical augmentation procedures increased significantly with experience. There was a tendency to use autogenous grafts in horizontal augmentation as experience increased. Conclusion: This study indicate that xenografts and absorbable membranes are the most commonly used materials, with preference patterns influenced by both specialty type and years of experience. Additionally, increasing experience is associated with a greater tendency toward using autogenous grafts and combined grafting techniques.