Implant Site Development Using Titanium Mesh in the Maxilla: A Retrospective Study of 58 Mesh Procedures in 48...

Area of Science:

• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Periodontology
• Dental Implantology

Background:

• Alveolar ridge deficiencies pose challenges for dental implant placement.
• Guided bone regeneration (GBR) using titanium mesh (Ti-mesh) is a technique to augment narrow ridges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of Ti-mesh in implant site development for maxillary alveolar ridge augmentation.
• To assess bone gain, implant success, and complications associated with Ti-mesh GBR.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective case series of 58 Ti-mesh procedures in 48 patients undergoing maxillary ridge augmentation.
• Utilized various bone grafts and biologics; implants placed 6-8 months post-augmentation.
• Measured horizontal bone gain and assessed Ti-mesh exposure rates and need for secondary grafting.

Main Results:

• Significant horizontal bone gain (mean 4.7 mm) was achieved, enabling predictable implant placement.
• No significant difference in bone gain was observed with different graft/biologic combinations.
• Ti-mesh exposure occurred in 22% of cases, with higher rates in middle-aged and older adults.
• 56% of implants required additional contour augmentation for optimal prosthetic positioning.

Conclusions:

• Ti-mesh GBR is effective for significant bone regeneration in narrow alveolar ridges, facilitating dental implant placement.
• Patient age is a significant risk factor for Ti-mesh exposure.
• The need for secondary contour grafting and age-related complication risks should be discussed preoperatively.