Complication rates of guided bone regeneration using titanium-reinforced PTFE membranes: a retrospective analysis

Introduction: This study analyzed complication rates of guided bone regeneration (GBR) using titanium-reinforced polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) membranes for alveolar ridge augmentation.

Material and methods: 84 patients treated with GBR using titanium-reinforced PTFE membranes (91 sites) were retrospectively analyzed. Complications such as membrane exposure and early removal were analyzed concerning patient age, defect site position, size, simultaneous vs. two-stage implant placement, smoking, and the use of bone grafts (BG) and substitutes (BS).

Results: Early removal due to membrane exposure was necessary in 14/91 sites (15.4%). No correlation was found between early removal and patient age (p = 0.917). Analyzing early removal between the upper and lower jaw and between both jaws' anterior and posterior tooth regions revealed no correlations (p = 0.381 and 0.477, respectively). Defect sites sizes of 5-6 mm exhibited the highest rate of membrane exposure, requiring early removal, accounting for 57.1% of these sites (8/14). No correlation was observed between the defect sites size and early removal (p = 0.660). Comparison of simultaneous (74 sites) vs. two-stage implant placement (16 sites) showed no correlation with early removal (p = 0.706). Membrane exposure incidence was 42.9% among smokers (27 patients, 32.1%) and 57.1% among non-smokers (57 patients, 67.9%), without correlation. No correlation was found between the type of BG and BS and early removal (p = 0.500).

Conclusion: GBR using titanium-reinforced PTFE membranes is effective for alveolar ridge augmentation and has favorable long-term outcomes.

Clinical relevance: Careful surgical technique and postoperative care can minimize the notable risk of PTFE membrane exposure.