Titanium-Reinforced PTFE Membranes for Bone Augmentation

Vertical and Horizontal Ridge Augmentation With Titanium-Reinforced Dense PTFE Versus Reinforced PTFE Mesh: A Prospective Comparative Case Series

This prospective comparative clinical study evaluated vertical and horizontal bone gain after guided bone regeneration using titanium-reinforced dense PTFE (TiR-dPTFE) membranes versus reinforced PTFE mesh (RPM) in patients requiring ridge augmentation prior to implant placement. Radiographic outcomes were assessed using CBCT at baseline, 9 months, and 12 months. Histological evaluation was performed in selected cases. Healing events and complications were recorded.

This prospective comparative case series investigated the clinical and radiographic performance of two non-resorbable barrier membranes used for guided bone regeneration (GBR): titanium-reinforced dense PTFE (TiR-dPTFE) and reinforced PTFE mesh (RPM).

Fourteen patients presenting alveolar ridge defects requiring vertical and/or horizontal augmentation prior to implant placement were consecutively enrolled. A total of 46 defect sites were treated using autogenous bone mixed with anorganic bovine bone mineral and covered with either TiR-dPTFE or RPM membranes.

Vertical bone gain (VBG) and horizontal bone gain (HBG) were measured on standardized CBCT cross-sections at baseline, 9 months, and 12 months. Histological evaluation of regenerated bone was performed in selected cases at re-entry. Adverse events and healing outcomes were recorded throughout follow-up.

The study aimed to compare dimensional bone regeneration outcomes and safety between the two GBR approaches.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age ≥18 years
• Partial or total edentulism requiring guided bone regeneration prior to implant placement
• Presence of vertical alveolar bone defect >3 mm
• Full-mouth plaque score <10%
• Full-mouth bleeding on probing score <10%
• Ability to understand study procedures and provide written informed consent
• Provision of written informed consent prior to enrollment

Exclusion Criteria:

• History of radiotherapy in the head and neck region
• Smoking
• Alcoholism or substance abuse
• Untreated or active periodontitis
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding
• Participation in another clinical trial within the previous 30 days
• Medical or behavioral conditions that could interfere with study participation or outcome evaluation, including poor compliance or unreliability