Assessment of 3-dimensional bone augmentation of severely atrophied maxillary alveolar ridges using patient-specific poly ether-ether ketone (PEEK) sheets.

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to analyze the effectiveness of virtually designed polyether-ether ketone (PEEK) sheets to delineate and maintains the three-dimensional patient's maxillary alveolar ridge.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fourteen patients (34 implants) with severely atrophied anterior maxillary alveolar ridges underwent rehabilitation using custom-made CAD/CAM PEEK sheets acting as a containment system for interpositional mix of particulate autogenous and xenogeneic bone graft, fixed by mono-cortical screws. Radiographic Assessment included measurements of linear changes in the vertical and horizontal dimensions on cross-sectional cuts of computed tomography (CBCT) using special software.

RESULTS

Wound healing was uneventful for all the patients except one patient that showed wound break down 2 weeks postoperatively, which did not affect the outcome of the procedure. CBCT scans were interpreted to compare the quantity of both vertical and horizontal bone preoperatively and 6 months postoperatively. Statistical analyses demonstrated a significant difference between the results of both time intervals, with a mean vertical and horizontal bone gain was 3.47 mm(±1.46) and 3.42 (±1.1) with a P-value of (.0001). The customized sheets were removed 6 months postoperative with the successful placement of dental implants.

CONCLUSION

The virtual planning of three-dimensional maxillary alveolar ridge augmentation utilizing patient-specific PEEK sheets deemed successful to restore the deficient ridge and to accommodate suitable size dental implants.