A tooth-supported titanium mesh bending and positioning module for alveolar bone augmentation and improving accuracy.

OBJECTIVE: Guided bone regeneration with titanium mesh is a commonly used bone augmentation technique. However, deformation and sliding may occur during the installation of titanium mesh, which may lead to poor accuracy of bone augmentation. This article presented three cases, which describe a tooth-supported titanium mesh bending and positioning module aiming to improve the precision of bone augmentation. CLINICAL CONSIDERATIONS: After designing the ideal bone increment volume digitally, print out the difference bone module between the ideal and existing bone mass and one or two wings. The wings are supported by the adjacent teeth to show the ideal bone mass in the patients' mouth. Finally, the titanium mesh is bent and installed in the ideal position by the module. CONCLUSIONS: A favorable outcome has been preliminarily confirmed in these cases, the average vertical bone gain was 4.16 mm and the average horizontal gain was 7.48 mm after 6 months. Using the module in the treatment of patients with bone augmentation can effectively improve the accuracy, the maximum deviation was 1.5 mm and the mean was 0.6 mm. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: This study improves the bone augmentation technology with titanium mesh. The titanium mesh is fixed in the ideal position, which facilitates subsequent implantation and denture repair.

A customized subepithelial connective tissue graft for interdental papilla reconstruction and soft tissue augmentation.

OBJECTIVE: Due to the minimal blood supply and other reasons, stable reconstruction of interdental papilla is difficult. This article presented three cases, which describe a customized subepithelial connective tissue graft aiming to overcome the clinical challenge, with the combination of tunneling technique. CLINICAL CONSIDERATIONS: An original customized subepithelial connective tissue graft combined with tunnel technique aimed to reconstruct interdental papilla (IP). The subepithelial connective tissue graft was partially spilt to create a bowtie-like shape, with four lateral wings and a main body. The four wings were tightly wrapped around the adjacent abutments, and the body part was used to reconstruct the IP. CONCLUSIONS: With the customized subepithelial connective tissue graft, a favorable outcome has been preliminarily confirmed in these cases. Facing patients with a lack of gingival papilla and soft tissue fullness, the customized subepithelial connective tissue graft may be a good choice. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: This study provides a new method to reconstruct IP. The customized subepithelial connective tissue graft may be a good choice when a lack of gingival papilla and soft tissue fullness occurs, which will be of great benefit to meet the aesthetic needs of patients.