Purpose: The usage of non-resorbable membranes in guided bone regeneration (GBR) has been widely described in the literature as a valid treatment option to address horizontal and vertical alveolar bone defects in implant dentistry. It’s also consensual that factors such as the stability of the membrane, the surgical technique, the gingival biotype, the blood supply and the postoperative care, play an essential role on the success and predictability of the augmentation. The purpose of this article is to describe a clinical case where a non-resorbable membrane was used following the immediate placement of two dental implants in the maxilla.
Case report: This case report describes a clinical case where the upper right lateral incisor and the upper right canine where extracted followed by the immediate placement of two dental implants. A Titanium membrane was used on the socket of the lateral incisor to stabilize a xenograft placed in the buccal alveolar defect. The membrane used was directly connected to the implant connection which facilitated its surgical placement stability and removal. After 4 months, upon removing the membrane, it was evident that there was a satisfactory horizontal bone regeneration. The impressions stage followed and two screw-retained porcelain bonded crowns were finally fitted.
Conclusion: The authors have found that the usage of a non-resorbable membrane allowed a predictable horizontal bone augmentation in this clinical case. The results obtained were quite rewarding for both clinicians and patient and remain functional and stable as confirmed with the two-year clinical follow up and CBCT scan results.
Vertical Guided Bone Regeneration using Titanium-reinforced d-PTFE Membrane and Prehydrated Corticocancellous Bone Graft
