Horizontal Alveolar Ridge Augmentation Research Articles

Application of sticky bone combined with concentrated growth factor (CGF) for horizontal alveolar ridge augmentation of anterior teeth: a randomized controlled clinical study.

This study was designed to estimate the effect of sticky bone combined with concentrated growth factor (CGF) on anterior alveolar horizontal augmentation during implantation. Twenty-eight patients were randomly assigned to either the test group (Group 1, n = 14) or the control group (Group 2, n = 14). Patients in Group 1 and Group 2 underwent GBR using sticky bone combined with CGF and bone powders mixed with saline, respectively. On postoperative Day 7, the patients completed the visual analogue scale (VAS). Three-dimensional models of maxillary alveolar bone were reconstructed from CBCT data at different periods, and the bone volume conversion rate was calculated with the assistance of a measurement marker guide. Labial bone thickness before and after trauma closure and bone density at six months postoperatively were also measured. The mean bone volume conversion rate for Group 1 (72.09 ± 12.18%) was greater than that for Group 2 (57.47 ± 9.62%, P = 0.002). The VAS score was lower for Group 1 than for Group 2 (P = 0.032). At six months postoperatively, greater bone density was found in patients in Group 1 than in those in Group 2, although the difference was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). The change in the thickness of the labial bone graft material in Group 1 was smaller than that in Group 2 (P = 0.025). Sticky bone combined with CGF was able to achieve better bone augmentation than conventional GBR. With excellent mechanical properties and the capacity to release growth factors, sticky bone is an ideal material for bone grafting. The study was registered at the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry on 10/04/2022 (Identification number: ChiCTR2200058500).

Clinical outcomes following a combined vertical and horizontal alveolar ridge augmentation and two-stage implant placement using either autogenous tooth roots or autogenous bone blocks.

To assess and compare the short-term clinical outcomes following a combined vertical and horizontal alveolar ridge augmentation and two-stage implant placement using either autogenous tooth roots (TR) or autogenous bone blocks (AB). A total of n = 27 patients (TR/AB: 13/14) exhibiting n = 31 implants (TR/AB: 14/17) were available for the analysis. Each subject had been allocated to a combined vertical and horizontal alveolar ridge augmentation using either (1) healthy TR (e.g., retained wisdom teeth), or (2) monocortical AB harvested from the retromolar area (i.e. external oblique line). Clinical parameters (e.g., bleeding on probing, BOP; probing pocket depth, PD; mucosal recession, MR) were recorded after a follow-up period of 16.03 ± 4.3 months following implant placement. The survival rates amounted to 100% in both groups. TR and AB grafted sites were associated with similar changes in mean BOP (8.97 ± 27.73%; 11.90 ± 18.97%), PD (0.53 ± 0.49; 0.47 ± 0.67 mm), and MR (0.03 ± 0.13; 0.0 ± 0.02 mm) values. The incidence of peri-implant mucositis and peri-implantitis at the patient level amounted to 15.38% and 0.0% in the TR-, and 28.57% and 7.14% in the AB group. Both surgical procedures were associated with peri-implant tissue health and stability on the short-term.

Autogenous solid dentin for horizontal ridge augmentation with simultaneous implantation in a severe bone defect: A 3.5-year follow-up clinical report

Autogenous dental root placement is an available approach for horizontal alveolar ridge augmentation in patients with severe bony defects. However, in previous reports, bone augmentation has been done before the implant placement. This clinical report describes the use of dentin grafting for alveolar ridge augmentation and simultaneous implant placement in the maxillary left central incisor region with a severe horizontal bone defect. Under strict adherence to the recommended indications, dentin grafting and simultaneous implantation could be clinically feasible protocols.

Horizontal Alveolar Ridge Augmentation with Xenogenic Block Grafts Compared with Autogenous Bone Block Grafts for Implant-retained Rehabilitation: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

The objective of the present systematic review and meta-analysis was to test the 0-hypothesis of no difference in implant treatment outcome after horizontal alveolar ridge augmentation with xenogenic block compared with autogenous bone block. A literature search was conducted using PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Library databases in combination with a hand-search of relevant journals until 25th of January 2022. Comparative and non-comparative studies evaluating horizontal alveolar ridge augmentations with xenogenic blocks were included. Quality and risk of bias were evaluated by Cochrane Collaboration's revised tool and Newcastle-Ottawa scale. Meta-analysis revealed no statistically significant difference in implant survival rate after more than 6 months of functional implant loading (P = 0.71), no difference in alveolar ridge width (P = 0.07) or gain of alveolar ridge width at re-entry (P = 0.13). Non-comparative studies revealed moderate to high short-term implant survival rate and gain in alveolar ridge width, however, complications including dehiscences, graft exposure and graft failure were observed in several studies. No significant difference could be identified in short-term implant treatment outcome following horizontal alveolar ridge augmentation using xenogenic block compared with autogenous bone block with the limited data available. A high incidence of healing complications and implant failures necessitates further investigation, as well as long-term results on implant survival rate.

The use of 3D ceramic block graft compared with autogenous block graft for rehabilitation of the atrophic maxilla: a randomized controlled clinical trial

BackgroundDental implant placement may require a bone graft for vertical and horizontal alveolar ridge augmentation. Due to its osteoconduction, osteoinductive, and osteogenesis, autogenous bone graft characteristics are considered the standard gold treatment. However, autografts can promote postoperative morbidity and implicate difficulties concerning the graft adaptation to the recipient's bone since it can eventually avoid gaps. To overcome these issues, this trial will compare the performance of Plenum® Oss 3Dβ fit, an alloplastic graft, and a 3D-printed patient-specific graft based on β-tricalcium phosphate to the autograft procedure.MethodsThis is a split-mouth randomized clinical study designed to evaluate the performance of personalized (patient-specific) bioceramic bone grafts (Plenum® Oss 3Dβ fit) for bone augmentation of the atrophic anterior maxilla in comparison to the autogenous bone graft. We hypothesize that the gain and maintenance of the grafted area volume and the quality of the newly formed bone tissue after eight months postoperative with the synthetic patient-specific graft will be superior to the autogenous bone graft. To assess the quantity and the quality of bone neoformation, volumetric and histological analyses will be performed.DiscussionThe fabrication of medical devices by additive manufacturing presents advantages over conventional manufacturing processes, mostly related to the precision of geometry and anatomy. Additionally, the osteoconductive proprieties of β-tricalcium phosphate enable this synthetic bone substitute as an alternative solution over autogenous graft for bone defect reconstruction. Thus, patient-specific bone grafts can potentially improve patient satisfaction, reducing the need for autogenous bone grafts, consequently avoiding implications related to this type of treatment, such as patient morbidity.Trial registrationThis study is registered in REBEC (Registro Brasileiro de Ensaios Clínicos): RBR-76wmm3q; UTN: U1111-1272-7773. Registration date: 14 September 2021.

Autogenous bone block versus collagenated xenogeneic bone block in the reconstruction of the atrophic alveolar ridge: A non-inferiority randomized clinical trial.

To compare the efficacy of equine-derived collagenated xenogeneic bone blocks (CXBB) and autogenous bone block (ABB) for lateral alveolar ridge augmentation and two-stage implant placement. Sixty-four patients with tooth gaps up to four teeth and atrophic alveolar ridges with ≤4 mm were randomly assigned to lateral augmentation using CXBB or ABB. Lateral bone thickness (LBT) was measured 2 mm below the alveolar crest at augmentation surgery and 30 weeks later at implant placement. Implant-related outcomes, adverse events, surgery duration, pain sensation, analgesic consumption, and oral health-related quality of life were also assessed. Data were analysed using Fisher's exact, Mann-Whitney, and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. At 30 weeks, the median change in LBT amounted to 2.90 (CXBB) and 3.00 (ABB), respectively. Secondary endpoints demonstrated similar results for CXBB and ABB in terms of possibility to place an implant, need to perform a secondary bone augmentation at implant placement and rate of complications. Early implant failure was 20% for CXBB and 10% for ABB, with no difference between the groups. Pain scores and post-operative consumption of analgesics were significantly lower in the CXBB group than in the ABB group, especially during the first days post-surgery. CXBB is non-inferior to ABB for horizontal alveolar ridge augmentation and two-stage implant placement.

The “Sling” Technique for Horizontal Guided Bone Regeneration: A Retrospective Case Series

The aim of this retrospective case series was to present a new technique, called the “sling technique”, for massive horizontal alveolar ridge augmentation through the innovative use of an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (e-PTFE) membrane to reduce the risk of biological complications related to membrane exposure. Materials and Methods: Eligible patients for implant rehabilitation with a horizontal bone defect were enrolled in our study. All patients were treated with our new GBR approach, called the “sling technique” (ST), which consisted of covering the vestibular side of the bone defect with a stretched e-PTFE membrane. This technique allowed the amplification of the membrane surface as long as the compression and the immobilization of the underlying graft material remained (1:1 autologous bone and bovine xenograft). The membrane was placed far from the surgical incision of the mucosa to avoid infective complications. Pre- and post-regenerative surgery CBCT scans were used to assess the tissue gain amount after the GBR. Results: A total of 10 patients (4 females, 6 males; age range: 45–60 years old) were enrolled in our study and 33 implants were placed in regenerated bone. An average of 4 mm bone gain was achieved using the ST. No membrane exposures or biological complications were registered during the post-operative healing period. After a 24-month follow-up, a 100% implant survival rate was observed without hard or soft tissue dehiscence. Conclusion: The e-PTFE membrane positioned with the “sling technique” gave satisfactory results in horizontal bone augmentation. Considering the small sample, further confirmations with larger studies are needed.

Autogenous dentin block versus bone block for horizontal alveolar ridge augmentation and staged implant placement: A randomized controlled clinical trial including histologic assessment.

This study aimed to compare the dentin block (D-group) harvested from impacted wisdom teeth with autogenous ramus bone block (A-group) for horizontal alveolar ridge augmentation. Forty-two patients with anterior missing teeth and horizontal ridge defect were randomly assigned to two groups (n=21 per group) to receive either dentin block group or autogenous bone block. Six months after the augmentation, dental implants were placed in all patients, and a core biopsy was performed for histological evaluation in addition to clinical and radiographic evaluation using cone beam computed tomography. The primary outcome was the mean overall clinical ridge width gain (CRWG) after 6months of augmentation. Secondary outcomes were the overall radiographic ridge width gain (RRWG) after 6months of augmentation and descriptive histological analysis with histomorphometric assessment of bone fraction %. All sites healed uneventfully, and the mean overall CRWG 6months after augmentation was 3.52±0.56mm and 2.24±0.86mm in the D and A groups, respectively, with statistically significant difference between them (P≤.001). The overall mean RRWG was 3.61±0.61mm and 3.41±1.15mm in D and A groups, respectively, without any statistically significant difference between them (p=.062). The histomorphometric analysis of the bone area fraction was 42.6% and 41.3% in D and A groups, respectively, without any statistically significant difference between the two values (p=.89, Student's t-test). Histological evaluation in the D-group revealed new bone formation, viable cells, and matrix formation on the dentin block periphery, in addition to well-organized woven bone that suggests dentin block remodeling and supports new bone deposition. The present clinical study revealed that dentin block may serve as an alternative graft to support horizontal alveolar ridge augmentation. Dentin blocks showed less resorption than autogenous bone blocks.

“HORIZONTAL ALVEOLAR RIDGE AUGMENTATION WITH AUTOGENOUS BLOCK BONE GRAFT A CONE BEAM COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY EVALUATION CASE SERIES”

Objective: The aim of the present study was to evaluate horizontal alveolar ridge augmentation using autogenous block grafts harvested from mandibular symphysis without barrier membrane in severe maxillary anterior ridge defects. Materials and methods: Six healthy patients with horizontal defects of the maxillary alveolar ridges were selected for alveolar ridge augmentation (class IV atrophy according to Benic and Hammerle classification). These defects were treated by autogenous block onlay grafts harvested from mandibular symphysis protected by anorganic bovine bone particles only. bone width was assessed preoperative, immediately post-operative and after 6 months at re‐entry by cone beam computed tomography. Result: All block grafts sites provided sufficient ridge width for proper implant placement. Mean bone gain was 3.9mm. No soft tissue dehiscence occurred in any of the cases. Conclusion: A combination of autogenous block graft obtained from the symphysis, combined with particulates xenograft alone without barrier membrane is a predictable and successful technique for augmenting maxillary horizontal ridge deficiency.

Horizontal Ridge Augmentation: A Comparison between Khoury and Urban Technique.

Simple SummaryWith the emergence of novelty regeneration techniques in the implant dentistry field, the professional may have some queries about which one to use in their daily practice. No systematic review, to date, analyzes the horizontal gains achievable with the two main procedures for bone regeneration: the Khoury technique, which uses split blocks obtained from the patient himself, or the Urban technique, which employs membranes to contain the biomaterials. Regarding this paper, the reader will be able to decide if any of these options is adequate for the indication required.Purpose. The objective of this systematic review was to evaluate and compare the clinical efficacy of horizontal alveolar ridge augmentation techniques described by Khoury and Urban. Methods. A systematic electronic search in the MEDLINE databases, SCOPUS, WOS, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) as well as a manual search, were conducted independently by two reviewers up to July 2021. Results. Six studies met the pre-established inclusion criteria and were included in the descriptive analysis. Due to the heterogeneity found across the included studies, meta-analysis could not be performed. Horizontal bone gain was between 3.93 ± 0.9 mm and 5.02 ± 0.8 mm with the Khoury technique and between 3.9 ± 0.9 mm and 5.68 ± 1.42 mm with the Urban technique. Similar complication rates were reported in both groups: infection (7%), in the Khoury technique, and membrane exposure (3.2–13.6%), in the Urban technique, being the most frequent events. Conclusions. Both techniques were found to be effective, in terms of clinical bone gain, for horizontal alveolar ridge gain. Nevertheless, available literature is limited, and there is a lack of comparative studies to better evaluate the results.

Maxillary horizontal alveolar ridge augmentation using computer guided ridge splitting with simultaneous implant placement versus conventional technique: A randomized clinical trial.

Ridge splitting technique is considered one of the successful horizontal bone augmentation procedures especially for the maxillary bone, the aim of this study was to compare marginal bone loss using a novel ridge splitting protocol versus the conventional technique. This was a randomized clinical trial including 20 patients who were randomly assigned to ridge splitting with simultaneous implant placement at the anterior maxillary aesthetic zone (10 patients, 29 dental implant) using patient specific guides (PSGs) or conventional technique (10 patients, 29 dental implant). In the control group free hand ridge splitting was done, while in the study group all the splitting and drilling procedures were done through specific slits and sleeves at the patient specific guides. Radiographic Assessment included measurements of linear changes in the vertical dimensions of the labial plate of bone on cross sectional cuts of computed tomography (CBCT) using mimics software. Wound healing was uneventful for all the patients except one patient in the control group that showed bad split and another showed buccal fenestration. The study group showed lower bone loss (1.38 ± 0.61 mm) compared to the control group (2.42 ± 0.63 mm), with statistical significance difference (P value=0.001). The loss percentage also was higher in the study group (10.99 ± 4.76%) compared to the control group (19.12 ± 4.53%), and there was statistical significance difference between the two groups (P value=0.001). Ridge splitting using PSGs appear to be efficient and promising than the free hand technique.

The Custom Alveolar Ridge-Splitting (CARS) Technique for Predictable Horizontal Ridge Augmentation in the Atrophic Anterior Maxilla: A Retrospective Case Series Study.

Implant-supported restorations have proven to be a predictable option for replacing missing teeth. In cases of inadequate bone quantity, the bone volume can be increased by bone augmentation procedures. Several factors can affect bone regeneration, including the morphology of the defect at the implant site. A defect surrounded by bony walls (an intraosseous defect) is known to yield a highly successful regeneration. The purpose of this retrospective case series study was to present a new step-by-step surgical procedure known as the Custom Alveolar Ridge-Splitting (CARS) technique for maxillary anterior ridge augmentation. This technique creates an intraosseous defect while splitting and augmenting an atrophic ridge. Sixteen consecutive cases were treated with the CARS procedure. All implants were restored and followed for 12 to 24 months after loading, and all cases were effectively treated with successful implant placement. According to this retrospective study, the CARS procedure is simple, successful, and predictable and may be used as a surgical option for horizontal alveolar ridge augmentation in the anterior maxilla.

HORIZONTAL ALVEOLAR RIDGE AUGMENTATION USING XENOGENIC BONE GRAFT: A COMPARISON BETWEEN THE FLAP AND SUBPERIOSTEAL TUNNELING TECHNIQUES

Abstract Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the prognosis of minimal invasive horizontal alveolar ridge augmentation using small incision and subperiosteal tunneling technique. Methods: This study was conducted on 10 partially edentulous patients with horizontal alveolar bone deficiency in 12 areas that need horizontal alveolar ridge augmentation for future implant placement. Cone beam computer tomography was done for sites that need implant placement preoperatively. Xenogeneic bone was used for grafting deficient horizontal alveolar ridge sites using the flap technique in 6 areas and using the subperiosteal tunneling technique in another 6 areas for future implant placement. Cone beam computer tomography was done for grafted sites immediately postoperative and 6 months postoperative. Results: This study was conducted on 10 patients and included 12 implant sites. No complications related to bone grafting were found and there was an adequate clinical prognosis. Regarding the difference from pre-operatively to 6 months post-operatively, a slightly higher increase in ridge width was recorded in subperiosteal tunnel group (1.48±0.99) in comparison to flap group (0.91±0.94), with no statistically significant difference (p=0.086). Conclusions: The bone graft material retained within a pouch formed using small incision and subperiosteal tunneling technique resulted in additional increase within the width of the alveolar ridge than the flap technique. Keywords: alveolar ridge augmentation, Dental implants, xenogeneic bone graft and subperiosteal tunneling technique.

Effect of biologic materials on the outcomes of horizontal alveolar ridge augmentation: A retrospective study.

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to investigate if the addition of biologic agents to a particulate bone graft enhances horizontal ridge augmentation outcomes in terms of bone dimensions, bone density, and successful implant placement.Materials and MethodsA retrospective chart review was done to assess the clinical and radiographic outcomes in 52 horizontal ridge augmentation sites in 43 patients. Information was gathered regarding surgical technique, type of graft material, biologic agents used (PRP or rhPDGF‐BB), method of space maintenance, and achieved alveolar ridge width and bone density changes as quantified on CBCT scans.ResultsThe use of tenting screws, a resorbable membrane, and a combination of particulate allogenic and xenogenic bone graft material provided an average horizontal bone gain of 3.6 mm in the 52 augmented sites. There was no statistically significant difference observed in the amount of horizontal bone gain between sites treated with the addition of biologic agents (n = 21), or with a particulate bone graft alone (n = 31). A marginally statistically significant difference was found in the density of the grafted bone with the addition of biologics (p value = .0653).ConclusionThe addition of biologic agents to the graft materials did not have a significant effect on the amount of horizontal bone gain or successful implant placement; however, it marginally enhanced the bone density of the grafted area.

Vertical Ridge augmentation in posterior mandible - Case report

Purpose: This clinical case describes a successful use of a non-resorbable membrane and mixture of autogenous particulated bone with anorganic bovine bone-derived mineral (ABBM) in a severe posterior mandible alveolar defect. Case report: A combined vertical and horizontal alveolar ridge augmentation was successfully achieved. Detailed clinical steps were described and demonstrated. The patient was rehabilitated with implant supported fixed partial denture with no pink ceramic. This two-staged procedure provides the amount of horizontal ridge width and vertical height to successfully place in the correct position the implants and achieve long term results. Conclusions: Multicenter, randomised clinical trials are necessary to compare this procedure with other potential clinical solutions.

Use of xenograft bone block for staged ridge augmentation prior to dental implant placement in trauma patients

We review the outcome data of patients who underwent horizontal alveolar ridge augmentation to assess the viability of equine xenograft blocks.

Effect of postoperative steroids on clinical outcomes and radiographic findings of horizontal alveolar ridge augmentation: A retrospective study.

The purpose of the study was to investigate if the prescription of oral postoperative steroids has an effect on clinical outcomes of horizontal ridge augmentation including implant placement and characteristics of the grafted bone. A retrospective chart review of 73 horizontal ridge augmentation cases was completed to assess the clinical outcomes, 53 of those cases were further assessed radiographically. Information was gathered regarding surgical technique, grafting materials, postoperative healing, medications used postoperatively, bone growth, and density changes as quantified on a cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scan. Statistical analysis was completed to identify whether the use of postoperative oral steroids altered outcomes. Steroids were used postoperatively following various horizontal ridge augmentation procedures. The use of tenting screws and resorbable membranes with a combination of osseous allograft and xenograft was used in 73 cases, 53 of which had preoperative and postoperative CBCT scans. Graft exposure occurred in five of the cases (9%), with the majority (n=4) among those with postoperative steroids, but this was not statistically significant (P-value=0.6510). Use of steroids was also not significantly associated with the number of courses of antibiotics (P-value>0.05), but it was significantly associated with increased number of postoperative visits (P-value<0.05). Among the subset for radiographic analysis (n=53), there were significant clinical and radiographic dimensional changes in alveolar ridge width with an average horizontal bone gain of 3.6mm. There were no statistically significant differences found in radiographic linear bone gain or clinical outcomes with the addition of steroids. A marginally statistically significant in the density of grafted bone was found with the addition of steroids (P-value>0.05). The prescription of postoperative steroids did not make a significant difference in clinical outcomes, success of implant placement or on radiographic assessment of grafted sites following horizontal alveolar ridge augmentation.

Dental implants survival in horizontal bone augmentation by use of biomaterials only: 1–3 years follow‐up

Background Autogenous bone blocks are the gold standard technique for hard tissues augmentations to insert dental implants on the right position. However, professionals know quite well the disadvantages of such a procedure. The guided bone regeneration (GBR) technique has become a viable treatment option for regenerating the adequate horizontal bone volume required for osseointegrated implants installation in atrophic ridges without those disadvantages. Aim/Hypothesis The aim of this study was to demonstrate the clinical and radiographic success of dental implants performed in areas where horizontal alveolar ridge augmentation was required. Material and Methods 30 dental implants were installed in seven patients, all of these implants in areas where horizontal alveolar ridge augmentation was required. The experiment used only biomaterials, avoiding any autogenous bone. These implants were inserted after a 10–12 month period of postoperative augmentation procedures. All patients were rehabilitated with individual, partial or total prostheses. Clinical and cone beam computed tomography (CT) assessments were performed pre and postoperative augmentation procedures. The dental implants survival rate was measured. The peri-implant bone loss was analyzed with radiographic exams. The observation period was 1–3 years follow-up. Results As the results, the study showed a 97.3% of dental implants survival rate. Only one implant failed, because of patient claim of sensibility and pain. Nevertheless, this implant was totally osseointegrated. As the result of cone beam CT evaluation, horizontal alveolar ridge augmented areas with only biomaterials were stable over 1–3 years follow-up. The peri-implant bone loss was similar to what happens to autogenous bone blocks augmentations. Conclusion and Clinical Implications Therefore, the technique proved efficient in promoting stable horizontal alveolar ridge augmentation. At 1–3 years follow-up period, the dental implants survival rate and peri-implant bone loss were found to be similar to what the literature registers as results for autogenous bone blocks reconstructions.

Horizontal Alveolar Ridge Augmentation with Allogeneic Bone Block Graft Compared with Autogenous Bone Block Graft: a Systematic Review.

ABSTRACTObjectivesThe objective of the present systematic review was to test the hypothesis of no difference in implant treatment outcome after horizontal ridge augmentation with allogeneic bone block compared with autogenous bone block.Material and MethodsA MEDLINE (PubMed), Embase and Cochrane Library search in combination with a hand-search of relevant journals was conducted including human studies published in English through March 13, 2019. Comparative and non-comparative studies evaluating horizontal ridge augmentation with allogeneic bone block were included. Cochrane risk of bias tool and Newcastle-Ottawa Scale were used to evaluate risk of bias.ResultsOne comparative study with high quality and 12 non-comparative studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Considerable heterogeneity prevented meta-analysis from being performed. The comparative retrospective short-term study demonstrated no significant difference in implant treatment outcome between the two treatment modalities. Non-comparative long-term studies revealed high implant survival, gain in alveolar ridge width and bone regeneration with allogeneic bone block. However, non-comparative studies disclosed high incidence of complications including dehiscence, exposure of allogeneic bone block and partial or total loss of the grafts.ConclusionsThere seemed to be no difference in implant treatment outcome after horizontal ridge augmentation with allogeneic bone block compared with autogenous bone block. However, increased risk of complications was frequently reported with allogeneic bone block.

Use of Transalveolar Sutures for Anchorage of a Resorbable Membrane During Horizontal Ridge Augmentation

IntroductionReconstruction of the hard tissue components plays an important role in site development for dental implant placement Barrier membranes are often used to contain the graft material and exclude soft tissue ingrowth. Anchorage of the membrane is extremely important. This report describes the use of transalveolar sutures for barrier membrane fixation to the alveolus.Case PresentationThis report describes two cases involving an edentulous mandible and a partially edentulous maxilla undergoing horizontal ridge augmentation to develop future implant sites in which the anatomic conditions and thin supporting bone made the placement of tacks or screws difficult, and transalveolar sutures were used for membrane fixation.ConclusionsIn horizontal alveolar ridge augmentation proper anchorage of the membrane can present a clinical challenge. The technique described, which is applicable to both jaws, can be used as a planned or rescue method when tacks or screws cannot be used.