[Study on alveolar ridge augment through technique combination of implant-retented titanium lattice with decalcified dental matrix implanting].

OBJECTIVE:To evaluate the effect of technique combination of implant-retented titanium lattice with decalcified dental matrix (DDM) implanting. METHODS:Six healthy male dogs (weighing of 10-20 kg) were randomly divided into 3 groups. All the premolars were extracted on both sides of the jaw in dogs. After 2 weeks, titanium lattice and implant were implanted in the maxillary premolar region with DDM on one side (experimental group), but without on the other side (control group) of each dog. After 4, 9 and 14 weeks, respectively, 2 animals were individually killed each time, and the samples were evaluated by general observation, X-ray examination, histological observation and histomorphometric analyses. RESULTS:General observation: Among the 6 dogs, there was no postoperative infection or death. The X-ray examination showed that the bone density of the experimental group was greater than the control group at 4 and 9 weeks, and had no significant difference as to the vicinity bone at 14 weeks. On the other hand, the density of the control group was very low under the titanium lattice and around the implant. The experimental group revealed a ridge augment of (1.93 +/- 0.24) mm, and control group (-1.02 +/- 1.20) mm (P < 0.05). Developed bone sponge could be found after 14 weeks. Histological observation showed that in the experimental group, the DDM surface was nearly absorbed at 4 weeks. A few new bones were formed at 9 weeks. The whole DDM was absorbed; the trabecular bone was thick and arranged regularly; and the intergradations of implant were observed at 14 weeks. In the control group, there were some inflammatory fibers around the neck of implant at 4 weeks. The inflammatory condition extended to the root of implant and the titanium lattice at 9 weeks. There was no newly-formed bone under the titanium lattice at 14 weeks. Histomorphometric analyses showed that the implant contact bone ratio approached 1:1, and showed no significant difference between the new bone fragment and former bone fragment in the experimental group. CONCLUSION:This augmentation of alveolar ridge evaluated by the study is applicable, but further study is necessary.