The aim of the present systematic review was to compare three ridge augmentation procedures in order to assist clinicians in finding the ideal surgical method relative to the horizontal bone gain needed and the width of the alveolar ridge available. An electronic and hand literature search was performed in the online databases PubMed-Medline, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, EMBASE, Cochrane Oral Health Group Trials Register and Web of Science, and various specialized journals, between January 2017 and December 2022. The included studies were evaluated using the Methodological Index for Non-randomized Studies score and Cochrane\'s RoB tool. The primary variable studied in the meta-analysis was the final bone gain. The implant survival rate and initial ridge width were the secondary variables. Then four studies on ridge expansion via osseodensification (OD), seven on guided bone regeneration (GBR) and seven on the ridge-split technique (RS) were included in the review; 17 out of 18 were selected for meta-analysis. The mean horizontal bone gain for OD was 2.151 mm [1.327-2.975 mm; 95% confidence interval (CI)], for GBR was 4.036 mm (3.351-4.772 mm 95%CI) and for RS was 3.661 mm (2.991-4.399 mm 95%CI). The results were statistically significant (P=0.002). GBR reported the most bone gain horizontally, followed closely by RS and then OD. OD is a recent technique that should be taken into account when discussing the protocols of horizontally atrophied ridge rehabilitation.

UNASSIGNED: Surgical intervention is necessary to address significant three-dimensional bone loss in the posterior mandibular alveolar ridge when implants are planned, and primary stability cannot be achieved due to anatomical limitations. The objective of this study is to elucidate the surgical procedures for reconstructing significant bone loss in the posterior mandibular region and to present the outcomes and insights gained from this clinical case.
METHODS: A 42-year-old woman exhibited first lower molar loss, significant movement of the second molar, and severe bone loss at the same site. Vertical and horizontal bone augmentation was performed to enable the restoration of teeth loss by inserting dental implants.
UNASSIGNED: Significant bone loss poses a great limitation in replacing missing teeth, particularly in the posterior mandible, given anatomical constraints. Therefore, it is essential to establish an adequate amount of bone to ensure primary stability for the implants.
CONCLUSIONS: This clinical case demonstrates a restoration technique of severe bone loss in the posterior mandible to enable stable dental implant placement, highlighting the importance of combining vertical and horizontal augmentation to overcome anatomical limitations and ensure primary stability.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the clinical and radiographic outcomes of alveolar ridge augmentation using a novel three-dimensional printed individualized titanium mesh (3D-PITM) for guided bone regeneration (GBR).
METHODS: Preoperative cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) was used to evaluate alveolar ridge defects, followed by augmentation with high-porosity 3D-PITM featuring circular and spindle-shaped pores. Postoperative CBCT scans were taken immediately and after 6 months of healing. These scans were compared with preoperative scans to calculate changes in bone volume, height, and width, along with the corresponding resorption rates. A statistical analysis of the results was then conducted.
RESULTS: A total of 21 patients participated in the study, involving alveolar ridge augmentation at 38 implant sites. After 6 months of healing, the average bone augmentation volume of 21 patients remained at 489.71 ± 252.53 mm3, with a resorption rate of 16.05% ± 8.07%. For 38 implant sites, the average vertical bone increment was 3.63 ± 2.29 mm, with a resorption rate of 17.55% ± 15.10%. The horizontal bone increment at the designed implant platform was 4.43 ± 1.85 mm, with a resorption rate of 25.26% ± 15.73%. The horizontal bone increment 2 mm below the platform was 5.50 ± 2.48 mm, with a resorption rate of 16.03% ± 9.57%. The main complication was exposure to 3D-PITM, which occurred at a rate of 15.79%.
CONCLUSIONS: The novel 3D-PITM used in GBR resulted in predictable bone augmentation. Moderate over-augmentation in the design, proper soft tissue management, and rigorous follow-ups are beneficial for reducing the graft resorption and the incidence of exposure.

The gold standard for bone regeneration in atrophic ridge patients is guided bone regeneration (GBR). This makes it possible to get enough bone volume for an appropriate implant-prosthetic rehabilitation. The barrier membranes must meet the primary GBR design requirements, which include adequate integration with the surrounding tissue, spaciousness and clinical manageability. Titanium mesh\'s superior mechanical qualities and biocompatibility have broadened the indications of GBR technology, enabling it to be used to restore alveolar ridges with more significant bone defects. GBR with titanium mesh is being used in many clinical settings and for a range of clinical procedures. Furthermore, several advancements in digitalization and material modification have resulted from the study of GBR using titanium mesh. Hence, we report a review on the various characteristics of titanium mesh and its current use in clinical settings for bone augmentation.

Background: Guided bone regeneration (GBR) is a reliable technique used in vertical and horizontal bone defects. The posterior mandibular region is an area limited by anatomic constraints. The use of resorbable membranes with a cortical component could compensate for the lack of rigidity of resorbable membranes without the complications of non-resorbable membranes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the mean bone gains of a xenogeneic cortical membrane in horizontal and vertical bone defects in comparison with other membranes in the literature. Methods: A porcine cortical membrane was used to perform 7 GBR in the posterior mandibular region of five patients. Preoperative (T0) and six months postoperative (T1) cone beam computed tomography were superimposed to measure the horizontal and vertical bone gain. Implants were positioned at all sites, six months after GBR. Complications and bone resorption around the implants were also documented. Results: The mean horizontal and vertical bone gains were 3.83 ± 1.41 mm and 4.17 ± 1.86 mm, respectively. The analysis of repeatability was 0.997. As many as 40% of patients experienced pain refractory to analgesics. No exposure or infectious phenomenon was observed. Conclusions: This xenogeneic cortical membrane seemed to provide interesting results in the regeneration of horizontal and vertical bone defects. Comparative and prospective studies are necessary to validate the effectiveness of this membrane.

BACKGROUND: This case report demonstrates the effective clinical application of a 3D-printed, patient-specific polycaprolactone (PCL) resorbable scaffold for staged alveolar bone augmentation.
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of a 3D-printed PCL scaffold in facilitating alveolar bone regeneration and subsequent dental implant placement.
METHODS: A 46-year-old man with a missing tooth (11) underwent staged alveolar bone augmentation using a patient-specific PCL scaffold. Volumetric bone gain and implant stability were assessed. Histological analysis was conducted to evaluate new bone formation and graft integration.
RESULTS: The novel approach resulted in a volumetric bone gain of 364.69 ± 2.53 mm3, sufficient to reconstruct the original alveolar bone contour and permit dental implant placement. Histological analysis showed new bone presence and successful graft integration across all defect zones (coronal, medial, and apical), with continuous new bone formation around and between graft particles. The dental implant achieved primary stability at 35 Ncm-1, indicating the scaffold\'s effectiveness in promoting bone regeneration and supporting implant therapy. The post-grafting planned implant position deviated overall by 2.4° compared with the initial restoratively driven implant plan pre-bone augmentation surgery. The patient reported low average daily pain during the first 48 h and no pain from Day 3.
CONCLUSIONS: This proof-of-concept underscores the potential of 3D-printed scaffolds in personalized dental reconstruction and alveolar bone regeneration. It marks a significant step forward in integrating additive manufacturing technologies into clinical practice through a scaffold-guided bone regeneration (SGBR) approach. The trial was registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12622000118707p).

OBJECTIVE: Examine the histomorphometric bone composition, following alveolar ridge preservation techniques and unassisted socket healing.
METHODS: Forty-two patients (42) requiring a single rooted tooth extraction were randomly allocated into three groups (n = 14 per group): Group 1: Guided Bone Regeneration (GBR) using deproteinised bovine bone mineral (DBBM) and a porcine collagen membrane; Group 2: Socket Seal (SS) technique using DBBM and a porcine collagen matrix; Group 3: Unassisted socket healing (Control). Trephined bone biopsies were harvested following a 4-month healing period. Forty-two samples underwent Back-Scattered Electrons -Scanning Electron Microscopy (BSE-SEM) imaging, with 15 samples examined using Xray Micro-Tomography (XMT) (n = 6 for each GBR/SS and n = 3 Control). Images were analysed to determine the percentage (%) of connective tissue, new bone formation, residual DBBM particles and direct bone to DBBM particle contact (osseointegration).
RESULTS: BSE-SEM analysis demonstrated that new bone formation was higher in the Control (45.89% ± 11.48) compared to both GBR (22.12% ± 12.7/p < .004) and SS (27.62% ± 17.76/p < .005) groups. The connective tissue percentage in GBR (49.72% ± 9), SS (47.81% ± 12.57) and Control (47.81% ± 12.57) groups was similar. GBR (28.17% ± 16.64) and SS (24.37% ± 18.61) groups had similar levels of residual DBBM particles. XMT volumetric analysis indicated a lower level of bone and DBBM particles in all test groups, when matched to the BSE-SEM area measurements. Osseointegration levels (DBBM graft and bone) were recorded at 35.66% (± 9.8) for GBR and 31.18% (± 19.38) for SS.
CONCLUSIONS: GBR and SS ARP techniques presented with less bone formation when compared to unassisted healing. GBR had more direct contact/osseointegration between the DBBM particles and newly formed bone.

Guided bone regeneration (GBR) is currently the most widely used bone augmentation technique in oral clinics. However, infection and soft tissue management remain the greatest challenge. In this study, a Janus sponge/electrospun fibre membrane containing epidermal growth factor (EGF), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and chlorhexidine (CHX) were prepared to optimize its application as a barrier membrane for GBR. The loose sponge part was covalently bonded with the fiber part which has a dense structure. The composed scaffold exhibited superior biocompatibility and antibacterial activity verified by in vitro test. A rat model of unilateral skull bone injury was used to confirm the effectiveness on both hard and soft tissue regeneration. The chitosan sponge on the soft tissue side containing EGF, bFGF and CHX had a loose structure, promoting collagen and cell regeneration and exerting an antibacterial effect. Meanwhile, the dense PLGA/PCL layer on the hard tissue side prevented fibroblast entry into the bone defect, thereby facilitating bone regeneration. The Janus composite scaffold provides a promising strategy for oral tissue restoration.

Several therapeutic approaches have been developed to promote bone regeneration, including guided bone regeneration (GBR), where barrier membranes play a crucial role in segregating soft tissue and facilitating bone growth. This study emphasizes the importance of considering specific tissue requirements in the design of materials for tissue regeneration, with a focus on the development of a double-layered membrane to mimic both soft and hard tissues within the context of GBR. The hard tissue-facing layer comprises collagen and zinc-doped bioactive glass to support bone tissue regeneration, while the soft tissue-facing layer combines collagen and chitosan. The electrospinning technique was employed to achieve the production of nanofibers resembling extracellular matrix fibers. The production of nano-sized (~116 nm) bioactive glasses was achieved by microemulsion assisted sol-gel method. The bioactive glass-containing layers developed hydroxyapatite on their surfaces starting from the first week of simulated body fluid (SBF) immersion, demonstrating that the membranes possessed favorable bioactivity properties. Moreover, all membranes exhibited distinct degradation behaviors in various mediums. However, weight loss exceeding 50% was observed in all tested samples after four weeks in both SBF and phosphate-buffered saline (PBS). The double-layered membranes were also subjected to mechanical testing, revealing a tensile strength of approximately 4 MPa. The double-layered membranes containing zinc-doped bioactive glass demonstrated cell viability of over 70% across all tested concentrations (0.2, 0.1, and 0.02 g/mL), confirming the excellent biocompatibility of the membranes. The fabricated polymer bioactive glass composite double-layered membranes are strong candidates with the potential to be utilized in tissue engineering applications.

Periodontitis is a serious form of oral gum inflammation with recession of gingival soft tissue, destruction of the periodontal ligament, and absorption of alveolar bone. Management of periodontal tissue and bone destruction, along with the restoration of functionality and structural integrity, is not possible with conventional clinical therapy alone. Guided bone and tissue regeneration therapy employs an occlusive biodegradable barrier membrane and graft biomaterials to guide the formation of alveolar bone and tissues for periodontal restoration and regeneration. Amongst several grafting approaches, alloplastic grafts/biomaterials, either derived from natural sources, synthesization, or a combination of both, offer a wide variety of resources tailored to multiple needs. Examining several pertinent scientific databases (Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, MEDLINE, and Cochrane Library) provided the foundation to cover the literature on synthetic graft materials and membranes, devoted to achieving periodontal tissue and bone regeneration. This discussion proceeds by highlighting potential grafting and barrier biomaterials, their characteristics, efficiency, regenerative ability, therapy outcomes, and advancements in periodontal guided regeneration therapy. Marketed and standardized quality products made of grafts and membrane biomaterials have been documented in this work. Conclusively, this paper illustrates the challenges, risk factors, and combination of biomaterials and drug delivery systems with which to reconstruct the hierarchical periodontium.