LOCALIZED RIDGE AUGMENTATION USING GUIDED TISSUE REGENERATION IN HUMANS - A REPORT OF 9 CASES

Nine localized buccal ridge deformities were treated combining the use of barrier membranes and resorbable space-making material. After elevating flaps, the bone defects were completely filled with calcium carbonate and a fibrin-fibronectin sealing system (FFSS). Membranes (Gore-Tex augmentation material) were then shaped and positioned to cover the calcium carbonate overlapping the surrounding bone. The flaps were sutured, taking care to avoid any compression on the treated area. The membranes were removed 4 to 5 months postoperatively: in all cases the membranes were tightly adapted to the regenerated tissues and force was required to separate them from the underlying tissues. The defects were filled with hard, bone-like tissue. The histology from one case, taken 1 year postoperatively, confirmed the regeneration of bone and revealed the presence of a few residual particles of calcium carbonate in the sample. The clinical appearance of the treated areas was satisfactory for colour, texture and form. The horizontal deficiencies were almost completely resolved in all cases, while the vertical component showed incomplete filling in some cases.