The Art of Block Grafting in the Preparation of Site for an Implant

Abstract

Currently implants in dentistry have become a successful treatment option for replacement of missing teeth or tooth. However, sufficient width and height of maxillary or mandibular alveolar ridge is a must for implant placement. Deficient ridge may occur due to trauma, other local pathologies or periodontal diseases. Retention and success of implants in insufficient ridge height becomes questionable. A correct diagnosis of the deficient ridge especially in the maxillary posterior region, whether due to pneumatization of the maxillary sinus or due to periodontal disease, needs to be made prior to deciding the treatment protocol. Surgical reconstruction of such alveolar ridge using autologous bone grafts allows implant fixation in an esthetic and functional manner. For repair of most localized alveolar defects, block bone grafts from the symphysis offer advantages over iliac crest grafts, like close proximity of donor and recipient sites, convenient surgical access, decreased donor site morbidity, decreased cost and hidden scar. We hereby present a case of deficient alveolar height in the maxillary posterior region which was reconstructed with intraoral symphysis graft from the mandible before implant placement.