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Alveolar bone regeneration by means of titanium meshes is a widespread procedure, however to date, only few
relevant studies were reported in literature concerning this technique. Consequently, the aim of the present systematic review was to analyze the reliability of the titanium mesh as a barrier, in conjunction with horizontal and
vertical ridge reconstruction for implant placement purposes. A total of 17 articles complying with the inclusion
and exclusion criteria were reviewed. Three outcome variables were defined: a) horizontal and vertical bone regeneration obtained, b) complication rate, defined as the percentage of membrane exposures and c) evaluation of
implant survival, success and failure rate.In regards to the vertical regeneration the mean was 4.91 mm (range:
2.56 - 8.6), while a mean of 4.36 mm (range: 3.75 - 5.65) was calculated for horizontal reconstruction. Considering
the exposure rate, a mean of 16.1% was found, nevertheless, implant placement were placed in almost all of the
sites. A mean success rate of 89,9%, a mean survival rate of 100% and a failure rate of 0% emerged from the data
evaluation. A meta-analysis could not be performed due to the heterogeneity of the data, however the final results
were comparable with those reported in case of bone regeneration obtained through other types of non-resorbable
membranes. An advantage in favour of the titanium mesh was found in terms of bone loss after exposure, as
implant placement was not jeopardized in almost all of the cases. It could be deduced that titanium meshes represented a reliable solution for alveolar ridge reconstruction. The clinical studies currently available in literature
have shown the predictability of this technique in both lateral and vertical bone regeneration.
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