This pilot case series study reports the dimensional alveolar bone changes after reconstruction of severely resorbed postextraction sockets treated with a mixture of particulate bone allograft and xenograft in combination with titanium-reinforced dense polytetrafluoroethylene (Ti-d-PTFE) membranes. Ten subjects who required premolar or molar extraction were included. Bone grafts were protected with Ti-d-PTFE membranes, utilizing an open-healing environment; membranes were removed 4 to 6 weeks after extraction, and implants were placed 6.7 months (mean) after extraction (T1). One patient required additional augmentation to correct an apical undercut of the alveolar process that was present preextraction. All implants integrated well and showed an implant stability quotient (ISQ) value between 71 and 83. The mean horizontal ridge width reduction from baseline (extraction) to T1 was 0.8 mm. Throughout the study, the mean vertical bone gain increase ranged from 0.2 mm to 2.8 mm (mean keratinized tissue width increase: 5.8 mm). The ridge preservation/restoration technique showed good preservation and restoration of severely resorbed sockets as well as improved amounts of keratinized tissue. If implant therapy is required after tooth extraction and severely resorbed sockets are present, the use of a Ti-d-PTFE membrane is a realistic option.
