regeneration after loss of the adequate bone height. Numerous techniques have been mentioned for reconstruction of the atrophic mandibular ridge. Tenting of the soft tissue matrix allow maintaining space for the graft material for vertical ridge augmentation.
OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to evaluate clinically and radiographically the efficiency of "Tent- Pole" grafting using titanium mini-screws with guided bone regeneration for augmentation of mandibular ridge vertical defects.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twelve patients with posterior mandibular defects were treated with guided bone regeneration around titanium screws that tent out the soft tissue matrix with an age range of 43 and 60 years. They were of both sexes (4 males and 8 females). Osteosynthesis mini-screws were fixed on the alveolar ridge with an average of 2-3 mm of their length exposed, alloplastic material surrounded the screws completely and a resorbable membrane is used for the guided bone regeneration.
RESULTS: The mean bone height value after six months was found to be statistically significant with the mean bone height value preoperatively and immediate post operative (p < 0.001). Also, there was statistically significant difference in the mean bone density between the six months post operative and immediate post operative values (p < 0.001).
CONCLUSION: From the results of this study, the screw tent -pole grafting technique with guided bone regeneration is a technique of high reliability in restoring mandibular vertical bone loss.