Alveolar ridge augmentation by open healing with high-density polytetrafluoroethylene membrane

Abstract

Non resorbable polytetrafluoroethylene membranes find great use in everyday oral surgery treatments. We aimed to verify the performance of high-density polytetrafluoroethylene (hdPTFE) membrane in open healing after alveolar ridge augmentation at two patients. For that reason, we raised full thickness flap and grafted with different xenograft granules that were covered with resorbable collagen membrane. Then the grafted area was covered with high-density polytetrafluoroethylene membrane (permamem®) and stabilized with sutures by leaving it partially exposed. Six weeks after open healing, the permamem® was removed and successful post-operative healing with no complications were observed. The newly formed soft tissue grew under the membrane and completely covered the new alveolar ridge volume. There were no signs of dehiscence or infection, and the patients had no pain or discomfort, neither after suture nor the membrane removal. Also, there were no visible signs of bacterial plaque on the membrane after its placement and during removal. After eight months implants were successfully installed, and full mouth prosthetic reconstruction was following the osseointegration. In conclusion, the high-density polytetrafluoroethylene membrane efficiently supported open healing and led to successful alveolar ridge augmentation.