• Case Title: Horizontal Bone Augmentation Using Tent Poles and CGF Membranes for Mandibular Molar Implant Restoration in a Horizontal Ridge Defect: A Case Report
• First Online Publication Statement:
• This webpage represents the first online publication of the text and clinical images of this case report.
• Academic Presentation: Presented as a poster at the 2026 Joint Sichuan-Chongqing Dental Implantology Annual Conference, which also served as the 2026 Academic Annual Meeting of the Oral Implantology Committee of the Sichuan Stomatological Association, held jointly with the 5th Chongqing Dental Implantology Academic Conference (Figure: Dr. Du Guannan presenting the poster on tent pole bone augmentation at the conference).
• Lead Specialist: Dr. Du Guannan (Chengdu Anyu Dental Implant Hospital)
• Case Purpose: This case report aims to investigate the clinical effect of tent pole screws combined with Concentrated Growth Factors (CGF) membranes in horizontal bone augmentation and implant restoration for severe horizontal alveolar ridge defects in the mandibular molar region.
• Patient Profile: 29-year-old female patient who had the right mandibular first molar extracted due to a combined periodontal-endodontic lesion.
• Anatomical Challenge: Severe horizontal bone defect in the edentulous posterior mandible, with a defect width exceeding 8.0 mm despite adequate lingual cortical bone height.
• Treatment Approach: Horizontal Bone Augmentation (Tent Pole Screw Technique + Viscous Bone Grafting [Sticky Bone] using CGF & Bone Substitutes + CGF Membrane Coverage) + Tent Pole Removal + Delayed Dental Implant Placement + Final Crown Restoration.
• Case Summary:
  Severe horizontal bone defects in the posterior mandible present significant challenges for ideal 3D implant positioning. In this clinical case, Dr. Du Guannan performed guided bone regeneration (GBR) using a tent pole screw technique combined with Concentrated Growth Factors (CGF). Tent pole screws were placed to tent the soft tissue away from the defect and maintain space for bone regeneration, while a viscous bone graft (sticky bone)—prepared by mixing bone substitutes with autologous CGF—was packed into the defect area. CGF membranes were overlaid to promote both soft and hard tissue healing. Following a stable bone healing period, the tent pole screws were retrieved, and a dental implant was placed with optimal 3D positioning, solid primary stability, and successful osseointegration. Final crown restoration was completed, with good implant stability and masticatory function. Postoperative imaging confirmed adequate buccal horizontal bone gain without graft exposure or infectious complications.

Note: Written informed consent was obtained from the patient for the publication of this clinical case report and accompanying imaging.

• Diagnostic Assessment: Preoperative clinical and radiographic evaluation confirmed the absence of the right mandibular first molar with a severe horizontal ridge defect exceeding 8.0 mm in width, significantly limiting standard implant placement.
• Tent Pole Space Maintenance & Grafting: Tent pole screws were placed into the defect site to maintain the necessary space for osteogenesis. A viscous bone graft (sticky bone), formed by combining bone graft substitutes with autologous CGF, was packed into the defect area around the screws to reconstruct the ridge contour.
• Membrane Protection & Primary Closure: CGF membranes were placed over the grafted site to accelerate soft and hard tissue healing and act as a biological barrier. The surgical site was closed with tension-free sutures, achieving uneventful primary wound healing without graft exposure or infectious complications.
• Screw Removal & Implant Placement: After a stable bone healing period, CBCT confirmed successful horizontal bone regeneration. The tent pole screws were retrieved, and a dental implant was conventionally placed into the newly augmented bone, achieving solid primary stability.
• Restoration & Longitudinal Follow-Up: Following osseointegration, the final implant-supported crown was delivered. At the longitudinal follow-up, the patient demonstrated healthy peri-implant tissues, stable peri-implant bone levels, and good masticatory function.

In cases with severe horizontal bone loss (>8.0 mm) in the posterior mandible, conventional grafting techniques often suffer from space collapse due to soft-tissue flap pressure. The tent pole technique combined with CGF membranes effectively resists soft-tissue flap pressure, preserves the osteogenic space, and enhances local tissue regeneration. This approach significantly improves the alveolar bone defect condition, providing a reliable bone foundation for stable implant placement with good surgical safety and a favorable clinical prognosis.