Preliminary clinical evaluation of guided bone regeneration using carbonate apatite granules and poly(lactic acid/caprolactone) membranes: a prospective interventional study

PURPOSE: This prospective clinical study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and clinical applicability of guided bone regeneration (GBR) using a combination of carbonate apatite granules and poly(lactic acid/caprolactone) (PLCL) membranes in patients with alveolar bone deficiencies. METHODS: A single-arm interventional study was conducted involving 16 participants and 18 grafted sites. GBR was performed using carbonate apatite granules mixed with saline and covered with PLCL membranes. Radiopaque markers were placed at the grafted sites to enable standardized radiographic evaluation. Pre- and post-operative computed tomography (CT) scans were analyzed to assess changes in crestal bone width and cross-sectional bone area. Postoperative complications were monitored at multiple time points, and statistical analyses were performed to evaluate bone augmentation outcomes. RESULTS: Radiographic analysis revealed a statistically significant increase in crestal bone width and cross-sectional bone area following GBR (P < 0.01). Minor wound dehiscence was observed in 33.3% of cases at 2 weeks and 22.2% at 1 month, but no infections occurred at any time point. At 3 and 6 months, all sites showed uneventful healing. The combination of carbonate apatite and PLCL membranes demonstrated favorable biocompatibility and mechanical stability, contributing to predictable bone augmentation. CONCLUSIONS: GBR using carbonate apatite granules and PLCL membranes resulted in significant bone regeneration with low complication rates. This synthetic material combination may offer a reliable approach for GBR. Further studies with larger cohorts and longer follow-up are recommended to validate long-term outcomes and clinical relevance.