Titanium mesh as an alternative to a membrane for ridge augmentation

Area of Science:

• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Regenerative Medicine
• Biomaterials Science

Background:

• Titanium mesh is utilized for bone augmentation in complex craniofacial reconstructions.
• Assessing complications and success rates of titanium mesh in bone regeneration is crucial for clinical practice.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the complication rate associated with titanium mesh for bone regeneration.
• To identify factors influencing postoperative complications like infection, exposure, and graft failure.
• To evaluate the efficacy of titanium mesh in achieving bone augmentation for dental implants.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 27 surgical sites in the maxilla and mandible treated with bone grafting and titanium mesh.
• Evaluation of postoperative complications, including titanium mesh exposure and graft failure.
• Assessment of bone augmentation adequacy for subsequent dental implant placement.

Main Results:

• Titanium mesh exposure occurred in 26% of cases (7 out of 27 sites).
• No significant difference in exposure rates was observed between maxillary and mandibular sites or by graft material type.
• A 100% implant success rate was achieved in all 69 placed implants, with all functioning successfully.

Conclusions:

• Titanium mesh, combined with bone grafting, effectively achieves substantial bone augmentation.
• Titanium mesh exposure during the healing phase does not necessarily compromise the overall treatment outcome or implant success.