Lateral ridge augmentation using autografts and barrier membranes: A clinical study with 40 partially edentulous patients
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the combined application of autografts and expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) membranes for lateral ridge augmentation in partially edentulous patients.
Forty partially edentulous patients were treated for lateral ridge augmentation. All patients had a crest width of less than 5 mm in 66 potential implant recipient sites. The procedure included a lateral incision technique, perforation of the cortex to open the marrow cavity, stable placement of corticocancellous autografts and bone chips, precise adaptation of the ePTFE membranes and stabilization with miniscrews, and a tension-free primary soft tissue closure. After 7 to 13 months the sites were reopened for membrane removal and implant placement.
After reopening 38 patients exhibited excellent ridge augmentation, whereas two had soft tissue encapsulation of some bone chips. There was a mean of 3.5 mm to 7.1 mm crest enlargement.
The current study demonstrated that the combined application of autografts and ePTFE membrane is a predictable surgical procedure for lateral ridge augmentation that results in an enlargement of the alveolar crest in partially edentulous patients. [M.R.]
Busier, D., K. Dula, H.P. Hirt, and R.K. Schenk, J Oral Maxillofac Surg 54:420, 1996