Abstract
OBJECTIVES: To evaluate a novel protocol for vertical ridge augmentation with titanium-(Ti)-reinforced dual-texture expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (e-PTFE) membranes, 100% autogenous bone, and 12 months of bone healing in the anterior maxilla. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This retrospective study included 14 consecutive patients treated between 2016 and 2021. Large defects, including both vertical and horizontal components, were treated with autogenous bone grafting and non-resorbable Ti-reinforced dual-texture e-PTFE membranes. Implants were placed in the augmented bone after 12 months. All clinical and radiographical parameters were retrieved from patient records. RESULTS: The case series included 14 patients treated with 15 e-PTFE membranes. The mean initial vertical defect size was 7.5 ± 5.1 mm (range: 3-23 mm). All membranes remained unexposed during the entire healing period (12.6 ± 1.2 months). No complications that needed intervention occurred. Complete bone fill was achieved, that is, regenerated bone filled the entire volume created by the membrane, in all treated defects. Twenty-three implants were placed. The survival rate was 100% and the mean marginal bone level was 0.08 ± 0.11 mm after up to 5 years. CONCLUSIONS: Excellent vertical augmentation outcomes can be achieved in the anterior maxilla using a non-resorbable Ti-reinforced e-PTFE membrane and an autogenous bone graft, followed by 12 months of healing before implant placement. The implants demonstrated stable marginal bone levels after loading. This case series has limitations, mainly the retrospective nature and small sample size, but it indicates that the proper choice of methods, materials, and healing times during GBR results in a predictable clinical outcome.