Vertical Guided Bone Regeneration for a Single Missing Tooth Span with Titanium-Reinforced d-PTFE Membranes: Clinical Considerations and Observations of 10 Consecutive Cases with up to 36 Months Follow-up

Vertical guided bone regeneration (GBR) using titanium-reinforced polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) membranes is a well-established technique and is considered technique sensitive. When using PTFE membranes, complications usually arise in the crestal incision or next to the neighboring tooth of the treated span. Most studies available describe either distal free end or multiple missing teeth span situations. Treating a single missing tooth span combines the challenge of two neighboring teeth and a smaller flap, which is more difficult to adapt to the augmented environment. This article describes 10 single span cases treated with vertical GBR using high-density PTFE membranes, highlighting clinical guidelines for preoperative care, flap design, and suturing.