Abstract: Objective The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the horizontal bone gain at the different levels of alveolar bone using a titanium screw as a reference plane by titanium mesh with tent screw and autologous bone grafting. Methods Sixteen patients and 23 measured points were enrolled in this study. CBCT data immediately and 6 months after bone grafting were measured at crestal (CW), midway (MW), and basal (BW) levels and reconstructed for area measurement using a titanium screw as the reference plane. The exposure of titanium mesh or not had been evaluated. Results There were no statistical differences between the titanium mesh and onlay grafting, and measured levels at CW, MW, and BW, the exposed titanium mesh and not exposed one. The width absorption ratio of titanium mesh and onlay grafting group or at CW, MW, and BW were almost the same. The area of bone gained and absorption ratio were almost the same without statistical differences. However, the width absorption ratio of the exposed titanium mesh at CW, MW, and BW was significantly higher than the not exposed one. Thin biotype was a main factor in the exposure of titanium mesh. The exposed titanium mesh at the late phase can also achieve clinically accepted bone gain after certain anti-inflammatory treatments. Conclusion Ti-mesh with tenting screw technique and autologous bone graft can achieve clinically acceptable bone augmentation effect. However, the absorption ratio significantly increased if exposed.

Key words: Titanium mesh, Tenting screw, Autogenous bone, Guided bone regeneration