Mesh-assisted regenerated site for alveolar ridge preservation: A case report.

Background: The proposed technique utilizes the osteoconductive regenerative properties of bone-substitute materials (BSMs) and the space-maintaining function of titanium mesh to restore the alveolar ridge at extraction sites with lost labial plates in a single procedure. This approach may reduce the need for extensive ridge augmentation procedures, shorten treatment duration, minimize complications, and potentially lower overall costs for patients.

Methods: Both patients presented with hopeless dentition, characterized by chronic infection and loss of the labial plates. To regenerate the alveolar ridge, a titanium mesh was utilized in combination with a layered application of xenograft and allograft BSMs. The success of this technique depended on mesh stabilization, thorough site debridement, and the absence of soft-tissue tension.

Results: The technique effectively restored the lost labial plates and regenerated sufficient bone to accommodate dental implants. Significant bone regeneration was achieved in both cases, with minimal complications. In one case, a minor mesh exposure occurred; however, it did not affect the healing and was managed during the re-entry surgery.

Conclusion: The presented technique effectively regenerated the lost labial plates. It represents a novel alveolar ridge preservation approach to restore the alveolar ridge at extraction sites with lost labial bone plates, even in the presence of chronic infection. However, future studies with sound methodology, larger sample sizes, and long follow-up periods are recommended to validate these findings.

Key points: The Mesh-Assisted Regenerated Site (MARS) technique restores the alveolar ridge at sites with lost labial plates by combining the osteoconductive properties of bone substitutes with the space-maintaining function of titanium mesh in a single procedure. This approach may reduce the need for extensive augmentation, shorten treatment duration, minimize complications, and potentially lower long-term treatment costs. The success of this approach depends on minimally traumatic extraction, meticulous socket debridement, careful soft tissue management, and precise placement of titanium mesh and bone substitutes under optimal magnification. Although effective, this technique has limitations, including potential vertical bone loss, time-consuming procedures, possible need for additional augmentation, occasional challenges with mesh retrieval, and infection risk, all of which may compromise regeneration and implant success. Proper case selection and precise application of the technique are essential to mitigate these challenges and optimize clinical outcomes.

Plain language summary: When teeth are removed, the surrounding bone can shrink. Techniques to preserve this area, known as alveolar ridge preservation, help prevent this shrinkage. This novel technique uses specialized bone materials and a titanium mesh to rebuild the bone in areas where the front portion is missing. The author used a combination of bone materials and a titanium mesh to rebuild the lost bone. Key steps included stabilizing the mesh, thoroughly cleaning out any infection, layering the bone materials, and ensuring the gum tissue was not overly tight. The technique successfully reconstructed the missing bone, making it possible to place standard dental implants. Both cases showed significant bone growth with minimal issues. In one case, a small part of the mesh was exposed but did not impact healing and was addressed during follow-up surgery. This technique effectively rebuilt the lost bone, even with the presence of a long-standing infection. It shows promise for preserving and regenerating bone in these areas, but more extensive studies are needed to confirm the results and improve the method.