The Use of Platelet-rich Fibrin (PRF) Membranes in Lateral Alveolar Ridge Augmentation When Jaw Bone is Missing Before Dental Implant Installation. A Study Comparing an Autogenous Bone Block Graft Covered Either by a (PRF) Membrane (Test) or Bone Substitute and a Barrier Membrane (Control)

Tooth loss can in many cases be treated with an artificial titanium root (dental implant) and subsequent manufacture of a porcelain crown. After the tooth is lost bone resorption of the existing jaw bone often occurs making implant placement difficult. Therefore, bone augmentation is often necessary before implant placement. Six months after the bone augmentation has been performed, the implant can be inserted into the jaw bone and after additionally 6 months the final porcelain crown can be mounted. Reconstruction of the jaw bone is often done by harvesting a bone block from the patient's own jaw. The bone block is harvested typically from the posterior part of the lower jaw, where after it is placed and fixated by screws in the part of the jaw where the bone is missing. Finally, the bone graft is covered with artificial bone substitute and a collagen membrane. Recent studies have suggested that adding platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) membranes will have an advantageously effect in reconstruction of the jaw bone and bone healing. PRF membranes are derived from a blood sample of the patient and has been introduced to accelerate soft tissue as well as bone healing. No comparative studies have been conducted in humans for the time being evaluating the effect of PRF in conjunction with bone augmentation. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to compare a control group with a test group in which the control group is treated in a standardized manner, while PRF is added to the bone graft in the test group. After 6 months of bone healing, a dental implant can be inserted in both groups using a standard technique. For the two groups, the following is examined: 1. The final treatment outcome of the dental implant focusing on clinical outcome, radiologic outcome, aesthetic outcome, patient satisfaction. 2. Bone changes over time with a focus on volume changes. In addition, focus on soft tissue healing. 3. Bone healing assessed using bone biopsies taken in connection with the i