Tenting screw‐assisted membranes alveolar ridge augmentation in the anterior mandible

Vertical bone defects of the jaws require bone augmentation procedures to allow the correct implants insertion to rehabilitate the masticatory function and aesthetics of patients. Among these techniques, guided bone regeneration is one of the most widely used. This technique is based on the use of non-absorbable titanium-reinforced dense polytetrafluoroethylene (TR-dPTFE) barrier membranes whose titanium frame allows them to be given a shape and not collapse onto the underlying bone defect. Since these membranes require screw stabilization to the recipient bone, large flaps must be performed to place and remove them. A technique is proposed that simplifies the positioning of the TR-dPTFE membrane, with the application of a tenting screw positioned in the center of the bone defect to which the membrane is stabilized. This procedure eliminates the need to place screws on the lingual side and the execution of a large lingual flap for its removal at the time of surgical re-entry. Furthermore, a re-absorbable collagen membrane is sutured to the TR-dPTFE membrane, the extension of which is limited to the crestal and lingual part, to cover the buccal part and the entire defect, improving the maturation of the bone graft inserted below the two membranes.