Implant Placement in Alveolar Composite Defects Regenerated with rhBMP-2, Anorganic Bovine Bone, and Titanium Mesh: A Report of Eight Reconstructed Sites

Purpose: To present a retrospective report of eight significant alveolar defects in which the alveolus was regenerated with recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein 2 (rhBMP-2) combined with anorganic bovine bone and contoured using titanium mesh to facilitate implantsupported restorations. Materials and Methods: A total of seven patients underwent extractions and debridement of the compromised alveolar sites with simultaneous grafting using a mixture of rhBMP-2 and anorganic bovine bone. The three-dimensional contour of the compromised alveolus was reestablished using titanium mesh with rigid screw fixation. Implants were placed a minimum of 6 months after healing and subsequently were restored. Results: The treated defects were successfully regenerated and did not require any additional surgery prior to implant placement or prosthetic restoration. A total of 14 implants were placed and restored with fixed single or multiple restorations. Thirteen of the 23 treated sites were in the anterior esthetic zone. Conclusion: Vertical and horizontal alveolar bone defects can be predictably regenerated by grafting with a combination of rhBMP-2 and anorganic bovine bone contained by titanium mesh to successfully accommodate implant placement. Keywords: bone grafting, bone regeneration, rhBMP-2, titanium mesh