SPACEMAKING METAL STRUCTURES FOR NONRESORBABLE MEMBRANES IN GUIDED BONE REGENERATION AROUND IMPLANTS - 2 CASE-REPORTS

This article presents a surgical technique to promote bone regeneratio n and enlargement of localized alveolar ridge defects in the mandible. The purpose of this study was to investigate the use of spacemaking g old frames used in combination with expanded polytetrafluoroethylene G ore-Tex augmentation membranes (WL Gore) on two patients to create and maintain adequate space for the regeneration of bone. The membrane wa s sutured under the frame and the assembly was bent and adapted over t he residual bony defect to create a dome and prevent the expanded poly tetrafluoroethylene barrier membranes from collapsing into the defects . The framed membranes have also been positioned over dehisced implant s. After a healing period of 12 months, a second-stage surgery procedu re was performed to remove the gold frames and expanded polytetrafluor oethylene membranes and to connect the healing abutments. The gain of bone dimension was assessed by standardized measurements. On both pati ents the spaces created by the framed membranes were completely filled with newly regenerated bone. Biopsies from the treated sites revealed new bone formation.