Vertical Ridge Augmentation with a Titanium- Reinforced ePTFE Membrane And Tenting Screws: A Case Report

The present report demonstrates a clinical procedure to restore an edentulous area with severe bone destruction using ridge augmentation and implant placement. Titanium-reinforced, expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) membrane and tenting screws combined with a mixture of autogra and allogra (rate 50%: 50%) were used for guided bone regeneration (GBR). A two-stage surgery was performed to remove the non-resorbable membrane after 6 months healing period and delayed implants were placed. A vertical bone height of 8.0 mm (from 7.5 mm to 15.5 mm) and 7.0 mm (from 8.5 mm to 15.5 mm) was gained in the edentulous area corresponding to tooth #36 and #37, respectively compared to the radiographic image of the atrophic ridge before GBR. Final superstructures on #36 and #37 were obtained with favorable crown-root ratio. One and half year follow-up examination showed stable marginal bone level and healthy peri-implant mucosa.