Volumetric changes in edentulous alveolar ridge sites utilizing guided bone regeneration and a custom titanium ridge augmentation matrix (CTRAM): a case series study

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the volumetric changes in partially edentulous alveolar ridges augmented with customized titanium ridge augmentation matrices (CTRAM), freeze-dried bone allograft, and a resorbable collagen membrane. METHODS: A pre-surgical cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scan was obtained for CTRAM design/fabrication and to evaluate pre-surgical ridge dimensions. Ridge augmentation surgery using CTRAM, freeze-dried bone allograft, and a resorbable collagen membrane was performed at each deficient site. Clinical measurements of the area of augmentation were made at the time of CTRAM placement and re-entry, and a 2nd CBCT scan 7 months after graft placement was used for volumetric analysis. Locations of each CTRAM in situ were also compared to their planned positions. Re-entry surgery and implant placement was performed 8 months after CTRAM placement. RESULTS: Nine subjects were treated with CTRAM and freeze-dried bone allograft. Four out of the nine patients enrolled (44.4%) experienced premature CTRAM exposure during healing, and in two of these cases, CTRAM were removed early. Early exposure did not result in total graft failure in any case. Mean volumetric bone gain was 85.5 ± 30.9% of planned augmentation volume (61.3 ± 33.6% in subjects with premature CTRAM exposure vs. 104.9% for subjects without premature exposure, p = 0.03). Mean horizontal augmentation (measured clinically) was 3.02 mm, and vertical augmentation 2.86 mm. Mean surgical positional deviation of CTRAM from the planned location was 1.09 mm. CONCLUSION: The use of CTRAM in conjunction with bone graft and a collagen membrane resulted in vertical and horizontal bone gain suitable for implant placement.