The TIME technique: a new method for localized alveolar ridge augmentation prior to placement of dental implants

Sufficient bone volume is still considered the most important prerequisite for the osseointegration of dental implants. The TIME technique (autogenous bone grafting combined with stabilization using a titanium mesh) for localized alveolar ridge augmentation was evaluated in 20 patients who had insufficient bone volumes for the primary placement of dental implants. Different clinical recordings were evaluated at TIME stage 1 (augmentation surgery) and at TIME stage 2 (reentry surgery with mesh removal and simultaneous dental implant placement). In most patients, single- or extended-tooth gaps (up to four units) were augmented with autogenous bone harvested from the chin or retromolar area. With the exception of temporary disturbances of tooth sensibility, no morbidity at the donor sites was observed. In one patient, the stabilizing titanium micromesh had to be removed prematurely because of graft infection. At the reentry surgery, the bone grafts were found to be completely incorporated in 75% of the patients. In 15% of the patients, only minimal graft resorption was observed (less than 10% of the graft volume). Subsequently, 28 implants could be placed in 19 patients. The stabilizing titanium mesh was best suited for vertical ridge augmentations. Another feature of the mesh was the excellent tissue compatibility, with little clinical or histologic inflammation, even when the mesh had become exposed.