Computerized Tomographic Evaluation of Symphyseal Donor Sites Used in the Reconstruction of the Posterior Maxilla: A Case Report of 2 Patients

Abstract

Autogenous bone grafts are commonly used for reconstruction of the deficient maxillary alveolar ridge. Mandibular ramus, symphysis, extraction sites, and retromolar sites are the most common sources for harvesting autogenous bone grafts from intraoral regions. Several authors have used computerized tomography (CT) to evaluate the dimensional change of bone graft, but there are limited reports evaluating donor sites for autogenous bone. In this report, 2 patients were treated with autogenous bone graft from the mandibular symphysis. Postoperative CT scans were used to evaluate the radiographic change in the symphyseal area. The patients treated with autogenous bone showed uneventful healing at the donor and recipient sites and good acceptance of the procedure. At the final evaluation, CT analysis demonstrated a persisting radiolucency in the donor area, even though the defect size was reduced. Further evaluation may be needed to evaluate the progress of remineralization and long-term results.