A HISTOLOGIC EVALUATION OF LOCALIZED RIDGE AUGMENTATION UTILIZING DFDBA IN COMBINATION WITH E-PTFE MEMBRANES AND STAINLESS-STEEL BONE FINS IN HUMANS

This study evaluated histologically and clinically the use of decalcif ied freeze-dried bone allograft in conjunction with Gore-Tex Augmentat ion Material and Memfix bone pins for localized ridge augmentation in three cases. Biopsies taken at 3, 6, and 9 months were evaluated. It w as concluded that: (1) guided bone regeneration may be performed at lo cal immediate extraction sites when flap design permits primary wound closure: (2) decalcified freeze-dried bone allografts used in conjunct ion with supporting pins may contribute to successful bone regeneratio n either by osseoinduction or osseoconduction, and/or by maintaining t he membrane-created space during the early events in wound healing; an d (3) at 9 months guided bone regeneration utilizing Gore-Tex Augmenta tion Material membranes and decalcified freeze-dried bone allografts r esulted in the formation of dense, viable new bone.