title: Bone formation utilizing titanium-reinforced barrier membranes.
abstract: Advances in bone reconstructive techniques have increased the indications for implant placement in sites previously thought to be unsuitable. This clinical study evaluated a new surgical technique for the treatment of a variety of localized bone defects in four patients utilizing a titanium-reinforced membrane. The membrane material was developed to maintain a large protected space between the membrane and the bone surface without the need for a supportive device. Healing was uneventful in all sites, and the membranes were retrieved after 6 to 12 months. No residual defects were noted, resulting in an average change of implant exposure of 8.2 +/- 2.3 mm for sites with buccal dehiscences and from 5 to 6 mm ridge enlargement in localized bone defects. The quality of the regenerated tissue under the titanium-reinforced membrane appeared as bone structure with a superficial fibrous layer. This fibrous layer was more pronounced in sites treated with a membrane alone but was more than compensated by the quantity of new bone under the soft tissue. The results demonstrated that the use of a reinforced membrane appears to be a viable alternative for the clinical treatment of non-space-maintaining implant/bone defects. Further clinical and experimental investigations are recommended.
authors.affiliation: Section of Periodontics, University of California, Los Angeles, School of Dentistry 90024, USA.
authors.forename: S A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Jovanovic
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Nevins
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D016301:Alveolar Bone Loss / Q000601:surgery*; D001861:Bone Regeneration; D016025:Bone Transplantation / Q000379:methods; D003758:Dental Implantation, Endosseous; D015921:Dental Implants; D016557:Guided Tissue Regeneration, Periodontal; D006801:Humans; D008567:Membranes, Artificial; D011138:Polytetrafluoroethylene; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D014025:Titanium
chemical_list: D015921:Dental Implants; D008567:Membranes, Artificial; D011138:Polytetrafluoroethylene; D014025:Titanium