Spacemaking metal structures for nonresorbable membranes in guided bone regeneration around implants. Two case reports.

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