Excessive resorption of the alveolar ridge is commonly observed following long-term tooth loss. Initially, bone shrinkage occurs predominantly in the horizontal dimension; however, progressive resorption also affects the vertical dimension over time. This results in defects with both horizontal and vertical components, which can prevent implant placement in an ideal prosthetic position. In such situations, Guided Bone Regeneration (GBR) procedures are often required to restore the ridge dimensions. These may involve non-resorbable membranes (such as titanium-reinforced PTFE membranes) or more invasive techniques using autologous bone blocks or shell techniques. In this video, a new approach for 3D augmentations using the resorbable magnesium-based solution NOVAMag^® is presented.

NOVAMag^® membrane is made from pure magnesium and is fully resorbable. Due to its metallic nature, it combines excellent malleability with exceptional strength, allowing it to withstand soft tissue pressure while maintaining space for the bone regeneration. In this example, the membrane is brought in a U-shape using the NOVAMag^® instruments and prefilled with the bone grafting material. NOVAMag^® fixation screws are employed to secure the membrane in place. These magnesium-based screws are also fully resorbable. Their surfaces are specially treated to control the degradation pattern, ensuring stable fixation of the membrane, which gives the screws their characteristic dark appearance. The workflow of placing the screws is illustrated in the video.

This technique offers a fully resorbable alternative for 3D ridge augmentation, eliminating the need for a second surgery to remove fixation components or membranes. By providing stable space maintenance and supporting natural bone regeneration, NOVAMag^® enables predictable implant placement even in complex defect situations.