Regeneration of the alveolar crest using titanium micromesh with autologous bone and a resorbable membrane.

Abstract

Guided bone regeneration (GBR) has been used for the regeneration of bone in conjunction with the placement of oral implants. The aim of the present study was to clinically and histologically evaluate the use of a titanium micromesh and a resorbable membrane in the GBR technique in patients with alveolar crest defects due to periodontitis, trauma, and extractions. Eighteen patients participated in this study, and 50 implants were inserted. The postoperative healing was uneventful, no dehiscences were observed, and all implants were functioning successfully at 7-year follow-up. At reentry, in all cases, the space under the titanium mesh was completely filled by bone. From a clinical point of view, in all patients, no residual bone defects were observed and a significant increase of the alveolar width or height was found. In all cases, a good esthetic result of the restorative procedures was present.