Transalveolar Osteotomy of the Mandibular Canal Wall for the Treatment of Severely Atrophied Posterior Mandible

Abstract

Treatment of severe bone atrophy of the posterior mandible requires an advanced surgical bone augmentation technique. This report describes a minimally invasive approach for a residual alveolar height less than 5mm. A retrospective case series was conducted in a single private dental clinic. Outcome variables were dental implant survival rate, intraoperative complications, occurrence of neurosensory disturbances, and marginal bone loss. Descriptive analysis was performed for patients' demographic data, postoperative healing, and implant details. Kaplan-Meier method was used to assess the implant survival rate. The mean age of the 19 patients was 60±13years. Twenty-eight implants (5.5mm long) were placed in a residual alveolar bone height of 4.5±0.6mm. The implant survival rate was 96% at 5-year follow-up. Extra-short implants and transalveolar preparation of the inferior alveolar cortical bone could be a safe and effective treatment of severe mandibular atrophy.