Mesh Ridge Augmentation Using CAD/ CAM Technology for Design and Printing: Two Case Reports

Area of Science:

• Dental Implantology
• Bone Regeneration
• Biomaterials Engineering

Background:

• Guided bone regeneration (GBR) is essential for stable peri-implant bone foundation in dental implantology.
• Titanium mesh is a recognized method for achieving bone augmentation.
• Customized implant solutions are increasingly utilized in reconstructive dentistry.

Observation:

• Two patient cases utilized custom-made, CAD-designed, and CAM-manufactured titanium meshes for hard tissue reconstruction.
• Significant bone augmentation was observed: Patient 1 achieved 4.1 mm vertical gain and 8.7 mm width; Patient 2 achieved 6.7 mm vertical gain and 10.8 mm width.
• Critical factor identified: meticulous soft-tissue handling for adequate mesh coverage.

Findings:

• Custom-made CAD/CAM titanium meshes demonstrate reliability and safety for bone augmentation.
• The technique is particularly effective for combined vertical and horizontal bone defects.
• Mesh exposure did not negatively impact the bone healing process in these cases.

Implications:

• Customized CAD/CAM titanium meshes offer a predictable solution for complex bone augmentation in dental implantology.
• Further research into optimizing soft-tissue management techniques is warranted for this approach.
• This technology holds promise for improving implant success rates in challenging regenerative cases.