Guided bone regeneration (GBR) is the most commonly used technique for vertical ridge augmentation (VRA), and is popular because it is less invasive and highly formative. Since the augmented site is exposed to external pressure, it is preferable to support the membrane by a framework in order to maintain the shape of the VRA. Recently, a titanium framework reinforced ultrafine titanium membrane was developed by laser processing technology. The technique allows microperforations to be made (φ20 μm) into a titanium membrane, which is expected to prevent fibrous tissue ingrowth from outside the membrane. In addition, significant bone regeneration has been confirmed on ridge defects in previous animal studies. However, the membrane tends to crumple during the bending process because it is very thin (20 μm), so the bending procedures are technically sensitive. Since this titanium honeycomb membrane was first approved for clinical use in Japan, no international clinical reports have been published. The purpose of this case report is to describe a technical note for a three- dimensional curvature bending method in VRA using the newly developed honeycomb structure Ti-membrane.
A case of localized ridge augmentation from using a titanium membrane. A pilot study.
