Titanium membranes in prevention of alveolar collapse after tooth extraction

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The resorption of alveolar bone following tooth extraction results in a narrowing and shortening of the residual ridge, which leads to esthetic and restorative problems, and reduces the bone volume available for implant therapy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevention of alveolar collapse after tooth extraction, using titanium membrane (Frios Boneshield; DENTSPLY Friadent, Mannheim, Germany), associated (or not) with autologous bone graft. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 10 nonsmoking healthy subjects, ranging from 35 to 60 years old, were selected for this study. Each patient had a minimum of 2 uni-radicular periodontally hopeless teeth, which were scheduled for extraction. After the procedure, 2 titanium pins were fixed on the vestibular bone surfaces that were used as references for the initial measures (depth, width, and height) of the socket. Of the sockets,1 was randomly chosen to be filled with autologous bone graft (test) removed from superior maxillary tuber, and the other one did not receive the graft (control). A titanium membrane was adapted and fixed, covering the sockets, which remained for at least 10 weeks. After a 6-month healing, the final measures were performed. RESULTS: There was exposure of the membrane in 5 of the 10 treated subjects. Average bone filling (+/-standard deviation) among the 10 subjects was 8.80 +/- 2.93 mm (range 4-13) in the control group and 8.40 +/- 3.35 mm (range 4-13) in the test group. Average bone loss in width in both group was 1.40 +/- 1.97 mm (range -4-1) in the control group and 1.40 +/- 0.98 mm (range -4-0) in the test group. There was no significant statistical difference between groups considering the evaluated standards. CONCLUSION: The use of titanium membrane, alone or in association with autogenous bone, favored the prevention of alveolar ridge after tooth extraction. This membrane seems to be a possible and safe alternative to other nonresorbable membranes when the prevention of alveolar ridge resorption is the objective.