Guided bone regeneration using nonexpanded polytetrafluoroethylene membranes in preparation for dental implant placements--a report of 420 cases.

The biologic principle of guided bone regeneration has been successfully used to prevent bone loss in extraction sites. This study comprises 420 cases of alveolar ridge maintenance in preparation for dental implant placements. Nonexpanded polytetrafluoroethylene membranes were positioned over all extraction sites and left intentionally exposed. Lyophilized mineralized bone allografts were used to prevent membrane collapse when buccal bone walls were lost. Membranes were removed at week 4. At the time of implant placements, all sites presented soft tissue compatibility with keratinized gingiva. The mucogingival junction position seemed to be preserved. Exposed nonexpanded polytetrafluoroethylene membranes associated, or not, with bone graft provide tissue formation suitable for implant placement.