Vertical bone augmentation utilizing a titanium‐reinforced PTFE mesh: A multi‐variate analysis of influencing factors

Objective To clinically evaluate the use of a titanium‐reinforced PTFE mesh for vertical bone augmentation (VBA) of deficient alveolar ridges. Materials and methods This case series documented consecutive patients treated for VBA with a newly developed PTFE mesh. VBA was performed in anterior and posterior, maxillary and mandibular arches using anorganic bovine bone combined with autogenous graft in a 1:1 ratio. Healing time from initial surgery to re‐opening was recorded. Baseline vertical deficiency, absolute bone gain (gross height gained), and relative gain (percentage of defect fill with respect to the baseline deficiency) were registered. Results Fifty‐seven patients (65 defects) were included in the analysis. The mean baseline vertical deficiency was 5.5 ± 2.6 mm. The mean absolute bone gain was 5.2 ± 2.4 mm. A relative gain of 96.5 ± 13.9% was achieved. Overall, 89.2% of cases showed complete regeneration, which occurred in all sites with baseline deficiencies of <5 mm, in 95.6% of sites with 5–8 mm deficiencies, and in 89.4% of sites with >8 mm deficiencies. Each 1‐mm addition to the baseline height deficiency increased the likelihood of incomplete bone regeneration by 2.5 times. Defect location had a statistically significant but a limited clinical impact on the bone height gained (<0.5 mm). Complications were observed in three cases (3%). Conclusions Vertical bone augmentation with titanium‐reinforced PTFE mesh and a mixture of autologous bone and xenograft is a safe and predictable procedure. The extent of the baseline vertical deficiency influences the percentage of bone gained.