The “Sling” Technique for Horizontal Guided Bone Regeneration: A Retrospective Case Series

Abstract

The aim of this retrospective case series was to present a new technique, called the “sling technique”, for massive horizontal alveolar ridge augmentation through the innovative use of an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (e-PTFE) membrane to reduce the risk of biological complications related to membrane exposure. Materials and Methods: Eligible patients for implant rehabilitation with a horizontal bone defect were enrolled in our study. All patients were treated with our new GBR approach, called the “sling technique” (ST), which consisted of covering the vestibular side of the bone defect with a stretched e-PTFE membrane. This technique allowed the amplification of the membrane surface as long as the compression and the immobilization of the underlying graft material remained (1:1 autologous bone and bovine xenograft). The membrane was placed far from the surgical incision of the mucosa to avoid infective complications. Pre- and post-regenerative surgery CBCT scans were used to assess the tissue gain amount after the GBR. Results: A total of 10 patients (4 females, 6 males; age range: 45–60 years old) were enrolled in our study and 33 implants were placed in regenerated bone. An average of 4 mm bone gain was achieved using the ST. No membrane exposures or biological complications were registered during the post-operative healing period. After a 24-month follow-up, a 100% implant survival rate was observed without hard or soft tissue dehiscence. Conclusion: The e-PTFE membrane positioned with the “sling technique” gave satisfactory results in horizontal bone augmentation. Considering the small sample, further confirmations with larger studies are needed.