Retrospective Radiographic analysis of ridge augmentations using Titanium mesh and Titanium-reinforced polytetrafluoroethylene membranes

ABSTRACT Background: Titanium-reinforced polytetrafluoroethylene (Ti-PTFE) and Titanium mesh (Timesh) are used to augment atrophic alveolar ridges to facilitate the placement of dental implants. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the average vertical and horizontal bone gain and outcomes between Ti-PTFE and Ti-mesh techniques. Methods: To assess outcomes, retrospective chart review and superimposition of pre-operative and post-operative CBCT scans were used. The vertical component of the augmented site (L1) was assessed along a vertical bisecting line. Horizontal width was measured in buccolingual dimension at three-millimeter (mm) intervals (W1-6) along the L1. Paired t-tests were used to compare bone measurements at each location, and ANCOVA models were used to compare the grafting methods. Successes were compared with chi-squared tests. Results: Forty-eight ridge augmentation cases with 70 sites were included: 25 Ti-PTFE with 35 sites and 23 Ti-mesh with 35 sites. The average gain in length (L1) was statistically significant for Ti-PTFE, 0.75 mm, and non-statistically significant for Ti-mesh, 0.61mm. The average increase in width for Ti-PTFE was 2.05 mm, while for Ti-mesh, it was 2.42 mm. After adjusting for pre-operative bone levels, Ti-PTFE had significantly greater gains at W1 than Ti-mesh. 76% of the cases were considered successes, with 74% for Ti-PTFE and 77% for Ti-mesh with no statistically significant difference. Conclusion: Both ridge augmentation techniques resulted in reliable horizontal bone gains, while a wide range of outcomes was observed for vertical bone gains. The average success rate was 76%, with no statistically significant difference between the two techniques.