Magnesium-Based Membrane for Alveolar Ridge Regeneration—A Scoping Review

Magnesium-based membranes are promising biomaterials for guided bone regeneration due to their unique properties of mechanical strength, biocompatibility, and controlled biodegradation. This scoping review aimed to map and synthesize the available evidence regarding the use of magnesium-based membranes and fixation screws in alveolar ridge regeneration and guided bone regeneration procedures. Relevant studies were identified through a literature search conducted from November 2025 to May 2026, using several databases following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines. Thirty-nine studies met the inclusion criteria, including in vitro studies, preclinical animal studies, clinical case reports and case series, and narrative or systematic reviews. In vitro studies demonstrated cytocompatibility and fibroblast adhesion, while moderate magnesium ion concentrations increased markers of osteogenic differentiation. Preclinical animal studies reported controlled degradation, biocompatible tissue responses, maintenance of barrier function during early healing, and findings suggesting potential osteogenic stimulation. Clinical evidence, limited to case reports and small case series, described the use of magnesium membranes in horizontal and vertical ridge augmentation, sinus lift procedures, immediate dentoalveolar regeneration, periodontal defects, and cystic lesions, with generally uneventful healing outcomes and preserved bone volume. Reported complications were mainly minor and included transient soft tissue reactions, membrane exposure, and localized gas cavity formation. However, the available evidence remains limited to low-level studies without controlled clinical trials. Current findings are insufficient to establish clinical efficacy or superiority over conventional membranes, highlighting the need for larger prospective controlled studies. The review’s findings could help researchers advance the understanding of bone regeneration and help develop new strategies to improve and further investigate bone regeneration.