Treatment Planning9 min read

Alveolar Ridge Augmentation: How Custom GBR Mesh Improves Bone Volume Predictability

May 30, 2026

Alveolar ridge resorption after tooth extraction is inevitable, but predictable bone augmentation is now possible with custom GBR mesh technology.

The Ridge Resorption Problem

After extraction, the alveolar ridge resorbs approximately 40-60% in width and 20-30% in height within the first year. This resorption creates challenges for implant placement: inadequate bone volume, unfavorable ridge contour, and compromised esthetic outcomes.

How Custom GBR Mesh Helps

A custom mesh designed from the CBCT data serves as both a space maintainer and a scaffold, defining the exact bone volume to be regenerated. The mesh prevents soft tissue collapse into the graft, protects the graft during healing, and guides bone formation along the desired contour.

Clinical outcomes with custom GBR meshes show 90-95% graft volume retention at 6 months, compared to 70-80% with conventional membrane techniques.