الفهرس 
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Abstract
Aim: This study was designed to compare apical U-shape splitting technique (AUST) combined with guided bone regeneration (GBR)versus GBR alone for horizontal bone augmentation in maxillary facial undercut areas. This was a prospective randomized controlled clinical trial.Materials and Methods: A total of 12 patients, who presented with afacial undercut that was not able to compass a dental implant, received atotal of 14 implants in anterior maxilla. Seven of which (group I) were placed using AUST with GBR and the other 7 (group II) using the conventional GBR. Clinical and radiographic evaluation were done preoperatively and at different time intervals after surgery. Facial bone flap fracture, Peri-implant health, Ridge width (RW) gain and loss,marginal bone loss (MBL), and implant aesthetics were measured. Data were analyzed and compared. For any of the used tests, results were considered as statistically significant if p value ≤ 0.05.Results: For group I, no fracture of the bone flap happened and the gain in RW was significantly higher at 6 months postoperatively. MBL was similar for both groups. The total pink esthetic score was significantly higher in group I versus group II (P = 0.024).Conclusion: within the limitations of this study, it was concluded that AUST combined with GBR was more effective in RW gain than GBR alone and it provided a merit approach for restoring function and aesthetics if labial fenestration was unavoidable during implant placement.