Guided Bone Regeneration in the Atrophic Posterior Mandible: Clinical Outcomes of a Staged Implant Placement Protocol

Background: Implant rehabilitation of the atrophic posterior mandible is frequently limited by insufficient bone volume, requiring regenerative procedures prior to or alongside implant placement. Objectives: This paper evaluates the clinical outcomes of a staged guided bone regeneration (GBR) protocol using resorbable membranes and particulate xenograft prior to implant placement. Methodology: A retrospective evaluation of consecutively treated patients, assessing ridge dimension changes, implant survival, and peri-implant tissue health over follow-up. Key findings: Staged GBR achieved predictable horizontal ridge augmentation and high implant survival, with stable peri-implant marginal bone levels. Conclusions: A staged, biologically driven GBR protocol supports predictable implant rehabilitation in the atrophic posterior mandible.