title: Preliminary evaluation of a three-dimensional, customized, and preformed titanium mesh in peri-implant alveolar bone regeneration.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this preliminary study is to evaluate the effectiveness of a customized, three-dimensional, preformed titanium mesh as a barrier membrane for peri-implant alveolar bone regeneration.
  
  
  METHODS
  Ten patients were recruited for this study. At the time of implant placement, all patients had fenestration or a dehiscence defect around the implant fixture. A mixture of particulate intraoral autologous bone and freeze-dried bone allograft was applied to the defect in a 1 : 1 volume ratio and covered by the preformed titanium mesh. A core biopsy specimen was taken from the regenerated bone four months postoperatively. Patients were followed for 12 months after the definitive prosthesis was placed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Satisfactory bone regeneration with limited fibrous tissue was detected beneath the preformed titanium mesh. Histologic findings revealed that newly formed bones were well-incorporated into the allografts and connective tissue. New growth was composed of approximately 80% vital bone, 5% fibrous marrow tissue, and 15% remaining allograft. All implants were functional without any significant complications.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The use of preformed titanium mesh may support bone regeneration by maintaining space for new bone growth through its macro-pores. This preliminary study presents the efficacy of a preformed titanium mesh as a ready-to-use barrier membrane around peri-implant alveolar bone defect. This preformed mesh is also convenient to apply and to remove.
authors.affiliation: Department of Periodontology, Ewha Womans University Mokdong Hospital, Seoul, Korea.
authors.forename: Gyu-Un
authors.initials: GU
authors.lastname: Jung
authors.affiliation: Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Department of Dentistry, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
authors.forename: Jae-Yun
authors.initials: JY
authors.lastname: Jeon
authors.affiliation: Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Department of Dentistry, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
authors.forename: Kyung-Gyun
authors.initials: KG
authors.lastname: Hwang
authors.affiliation: Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Department of Dentistry, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
authors.forename: Chang-Joo
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Park
keywords: Alveolar bone loss; Histology; Surgical mesh