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Published on: August 4, 2020
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Can Patient-Specific Titanium Meshes Achieve Predictable Bone Volume in Extensive Alveolar Defects?
Matthias Tröltzsch1, Johanna Caca2, Sven Otto3
1Private Practitioner, Center for Oral, Maxillofacial and Facial Reconstructive Surgery, Ansbach, Germany; Associated Researcher, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Facial Plastic Surgery, University of Munich, Munich, Germany.
Summary
Patient-specific titanium meshes show good correlation between planned and achieved bone volumes for jaw augmentation. Despite complications, these custom meshes enable sufficient bone regeneration for dental implant success.
Area of Science:
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
- Biomaterials Engineering
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Alveolar defect reconstruction using traditional titanium meshes presents significant challenges and complications.
- Patient-specific titanium meshes were developed to address these limitations and improve outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the correlation between planned and achieved bone augmentation volumes using patient-specific titanium meshes.
- To identify factors influencing the achieved bone volume in alveolar reconstructions.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective cohort study analyzed 29 patients undergoing jaw augmentation with custom titanium meshes between 2018 and 2023.
- Planned and achieved bone volumes were measured using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and analyzed statistically.
- Covariates included sex, wound healing, mesh fixation rigidity, and mesh exposure.
Main Results:
- A strong correlation (r=0.73) was observed between planned and achieved bone volumes (P < .001).
- More rigid mesh fixation significantly increased achieved bone volume (β = 0.34; P = .006).
- Wound healing disturbances occurred in 42% but did not significantly impact bone volume; no implant failures were reported.
Conclusions:
- Patient-specific titanium meshes can achieve adequate bone volume for dental implant placement, despite a notable complication rate.
- Rigid fixation is a key factor for maximizing bone augmentation with custom meshes.
