Evaluation of Digitally Customized Titanium Mesh-Guided Alveolar Ridge Augmentation

Abstract

Background: Different bone augmentation methods are used to increase the alveolar crest following the loss of one or more teeth. Guided bone regeneration is an alternative to increasing the amount of hard tissue for subsequent implant placement in the best three-dimensional position. Objectives: To evaluate the effects of bone regeneration utilizing a customized titanium mesh scaffold covered with a combination of autologous bone transplant and xenograft for the restoration of complex jaw deformities. Methods: This prospective clinical interventional study included ten patients receiving ridge augmentation of the partly edentulous mandible or maxilla after the alveolar ridge had resorbed (horizontally). A pre-surgical cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scan was performed to assess the pre-surgical ridge size and fabricate the customized titanium mesh (CTM). A CBCT scan will be performed immediately after surgery, followed by a second CBCT scan 6 months later to measure width and volumetric analysis. Results: Both arches had a rise in volumetric gain from preoperative to postoperative, with no significant difference. Females gained more than males, although the difference was not statistically significant (males lost density after surgery). They also discovered that age, gender, and arch were not substantially associated with mesh size exposure. Conclusions: Using tailored titanium mesh scaffolds in conjunction with autogenous bone and xenografts for alveolar ridge augmentation can efficiently increase bone mass, but future research must address many limitations.