Intraoral Bone Blocks Research Articles

A Pilot Study Showing Application of Palatal Bone Harvesting Under Dynamic Navigation Guidance in Oral Implantology.

In cases of insufficient bone volume in the implant area, bone augmentation surgery is often required to ensure an adequate amount of bone around the implant. In autologous bone grafting procedures, some patients face insufficient bone volume at conventional intraoral bone harvesting sites. Due to the high difficulty associated with completing palatal osteotomies freehand, fewer palatal lateral osteotomies have been reported, and palatal bone blocks are not routinely used in bone augmentation procedures. With the development of digitally guided implant technology, palatal bone harvesting has become feasible. In this paper, we will present a method of obtaining a circumferential bone block of the palate for implant surgical application through dynamic navigation guidance. A total of three patients had undergone this procedure to obtain circumferential palatal bone blocks and completed bone augmentation surgery. The bone augmentation results in the implanted area have been favorable, and there has been some bone recovery at the harvesting site. This is a safe and effective way to obtain intraoral bone blocks.

A novel approach to determining augmented bone volume in intraoral bone block augmentation using an intraoral scanner: an in vitro study

IntroductionBone augmentation procedures are established tools for reshaping the alveolar ridge and increasing bone volume. Different approaches are being used to measure postoperative bone volume gain. This study aimed to develop an objective and automated volume measurement tool equally as precise as manual slice-by-slice annotation.Materials and methodsTo evaluate the proposed workflow, we performed an in vitro study with 20 pig mandibles that were grafted using three different grafting techniques—autogenous full block, split block bone and shell augmentation. The pig jaws were scanned pre- and postoperatively using an intraoral scanner. The resulting surface files (baseline, full block, split block, shell) were processed using the new volume-measuring workflow as well as using manual slice-by-slice annotation at baseline (t0) and at 6 months (t1) using the same population. Two TOSTs (Test of One-Sided Significance) and NHSTs (Null Hypothesis Significance Test) were used to compare the two workflows. The intra-rater reliability between t0 and t1 was determined using intraclass correlation coefficients.ResultsThe mean difference for the full block augmentation technique was − 0.015 cm3 (p < 0.001); for the split block technique, it was − 0.034 cm3p = 0.01, and for the shell technique, it was − 0.042 cm3. All results were statistically not different from zero and statistically equivalent to zero. The results also showed an excellent absolute intra-rater agreement.ConclusionsThe semiautomatic volume measurement established in this article achieves comparable results to manual slice-by-slice measuring in determining volumes on STL files generated by intraoral scanners and shows an excellent intra-rater reliability.Graphical

Review of the Long-Term Outcomes of Guided Bone Regeneration and Autologous Bone Block Augmentation for Vertical Dental Restoration of Dental Implants.

Vertical bone resorption is a frequent consequence of tooth loss. Hence, implant-supported restorations imply, first of all, bone reconstruction. We aimed to review the current status of guided bone regeneration and autologous bone block augmentation for vertical dental restoration of dental implants. This review identified that between 2009 and 2022 there were few clinical studies that included more than 10 patients and a follow-up period of more than 5 years after bone restoration. The highest vertical bone gain was reported in the autologous bone grafting technique (4-7.6 mm), whereas the minimum augmentation was reported for one of the guided bone regeneration techniques. When comparing intraoral to extraoral bone blocks, the highest values for the mean vertical bone gains were obtained in the cases in which intraoral bone blocks were used as graft material. The highest rate of bone resorption was observed in the extraoral bone block group. Implant survival rate was not significantly influenced by surgical technique. Complications had a higher incidence in autologous bone block augmentation studies. Soft tissue recession showed similar results for guided bone regeneration as for autologous bone block augmentation. Vertical ridge augmentation is a predictable option for the reconstruction of alveolar ridges with severe atrophy, but complications can appear.

A fully digital workflow for prosthetically driven alveolar augmentation with intraoral bone block and implant rehabilitation in an atrophic anterior maxilla

A fully digital workflow for prosthetically driven alveolar augmentation and implant rehabilitation in the esthetic zone was planned and executed by using a bone harvest guide, trim guide, graft guide, and implant guide. A controllable procedure and predictable results can be realized by adopting this digital workflow.

The Influence of Different Graft Designs of Intraoral Bone Blocks on Volume Gain in Bone Augmentation Procedures: An In Vitro Study.

Intraoral bone blocks from the external oblique are the gold standard for alveolar ridge bone grafting, but the limited amount of available bone limits their use for larger defects. The objective of this study was to compare whether different graft designs of intraoral bone blocks could affect the amount of bone gain. In this in vitro study, 20 pig jaws were used to harvest bone blocks and subsequently augment single-wall bone defects. Each bone graft was first used as a full block, and then the same block was divided lengthwise into two blocks, with one block fixed at a distance as a cortical shell and the second block particulated to fill the gap between graft and bone. Three stereolithographic (STL) files (pre-OP, full block, split block) were generated using an intraoral scanner. All STL files were evaluated for volume gain and horizontal bone dimensions. A mean volume gain of 0.36 cm2 (SD: 0.09) was achieved for the full block and 0.78 cm2 (SD: 0.14) for the split block using the same block. The difference was statistically significant (P < .0001). A mean horizontal bone gain of 4.37 mm (SD: 0.93) was achieved with a full block and 5.77 mm (SD: 0.85) with the shell technique (P < .0001). With the same amount of bone removed, first as a full block and then as a split block, the split-block technique achieved a significantly higher bone gain compared with the full-block design.

Quantity and Quality of Intraoral Autogenous Block Graft Donor Sites with Cone Beam Computed Tomography.

The autogenous bone block graft is regarded as the gold standard material due to reported osteoconductive, osteoinductive, and osteogenic properties. Various intraoral donor sites for autogenous block grafts are presented in the literature. The aim of this study was to radiographically evaluate the maximum dimensions, volume, and bone quality values of these sites. According to the inclusion criteria, 50 cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images from 50 subjects were evaluated. The maximum length, width, height, and volume of autogenous regions where block grafts could be harvested were measured. Radiographic bone quality was calculated by using Hounsfield units derived from CBCT (CBCT-HU). The mean age of 50 subjects (19 men and 31 women) was 55.84 ± 15.9 years. In this study, the symphysis was the largest potential donor site (3.14 ± 1.05 cm3), while maxillary tuberosity was the smallest (0.53 ± 0.34 cm3). These results correlated with bone density values, where the symphysis retained the highest values (937.31 ± 160.59 CBCT-HU) and the maxillary tuberosity had the lowest values (360.87 ± 141.48 CBCT-HU). Intraoral bone blocks have restrictions due to surrounding vital anatomical structures. The surgeons should consider these vital structures using accurate CBCT evaluation. The volume and density of the maximal bone harvest from the symphysis was statistically higher in comparison with ramus, palatal, and maxillary tuberosity bone blocks.

Dimensional Change and Microstructure of Intraoral Bone Block Grafts Covered with Platelet-Rich Fibrin and a Barrier Membrane in Ridge Augmentation: A Pilot Investigation.

This study investigated the dimensional change and microstructure of intraoral bone block grafts covered with platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) and a barrier membrane in ridge augmentation. Seven patients were included, with 18 implant sites (10 ramus and 8 symphysis). The average final ridge width gains in the ramus from cast-based measurement (3.86 ± 0.87 mm) and cone beam computed tomography measurements (3.63 ± 1.38 mm) were not different from the symphysis (3.36 ± 2.26 mm and 3.44 ± 1.52 mm, respectively). Ridge width reduction of the ramus (-10.46 ± 10.55%) was higher than the symphysis (-5.04 ± 2.08%). The ramus showed bone volume fractions from the microcomputed tomography (84.66 ± 8.36%) and percentage of bone area from histomorphometry (80.29 ± 12.03%) that were comparable to those for the symphysis (83.13 ± 8.1% and 84.98 ± 14.50%, respectively). The dimensional change of the intraoral block graft covered with PRF and a resorbable membrane was minimal, and the symphysis graft was less resorbed than the ramus graft. Nevertheless, their microstructures were comparable.

The Palatal Bone Block Graft for Onlay Grafting Combined with Maxillary Implant Placement: A Case Series.

The aim of this study was to introduce an intraoral bone block harvesting technique--the palatal bone block graft (PBBG)--as an alternative harvest site for autogenous bone blocks. The PBBG technique was used to onlay graft esthetic zone defects simultaneous to implant placement in five patients. Measurable objectives were used to evaluate outcomes, and treatment was reassessed at up to 6 years. Defects of the maxilla were successfully grafted with PBBG in all five cases, and tissues remained stable at 1- and 6-year follow-ups. Harvesting an autogenous bone block from the palate is an advantageous, predictable, and reproducible method for augmenting buccofacial defects at implant placement, and may be considered as an alternative to conventional intraoral bone block donor sites when treating the maxilla.

Total Reconstruction of the Atrophic Maxilla with Intraoral Bone Grafts and Biomaterials: A Prospective Clinical Study with Cone Beam Computed Tomography Validation

To perform a preliminary validation with cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) of the combined use of intraoral bone blocks and biomaterials for total reconstruction of the atrophic maxilla. Consecutive cases of total edentulism of the maxilla (Cawood and Howell classes IV or V) treated with bilateral sinus floor elevation, mandibular bone block grafts, and biomaterials were evaluated prospectively. Implants were placed 14 to 16 weeks after grafting. Each patient received a CBCT scan preoperatively, immediately after bone augmentation, and at reentry. A three-dimensional reconstruction of the maxilla with volumetric calculations was obtained at each stage. Fourteen patients participated. Successful graft integration occurred in all cases, with no major complications. Mean preoperative volume was 11,312 mm3. Mean postoperative volume was 19,997 mm3 immediately after surgery and 19,042 mm3 before implant insertion. The average percentage volumetric increase between the preoperative condition and the situation at reentry was 71.99%. One hundred eight implants were inserted. Immediate loading was possible with 81 implants in 10 patients. The rehabilitation of the severely resorbed maxilla remains a formidable challenge. The results of this study suggest that the use of mandibular bone blocks in combination with biomaterials is an effective, reliable procedure for the rehabilitation of the severely resorbed maxilla. Significant volume increases and adequate stability of the augmented areas at reentry were found with CBCT analysis. The grafted bone provided sufficient mechanical support to permit provisionalization and immediate loading. This technique enabled the restoration of function and esthetics with a fixed rehabilitation at 4 months.

Piezosurgical osteotomy for harvesting intraoral block bone graft

The use of ultrasonic vibrations for the cutting of bone was first introduced two decades ago. Piezoelectric surgery is a minimally invasive technique that lessens the risk of damage to surrounding soft tissues and important structures such as nerves, vessels, and mucosa. It also reduces damage to osteocytes and permits good survival of bony cells during harvesting of bone. Grafting with intraoral bone blocks is a good way to reconstruct severe horizontal and vertical bone resorption in future implants sites. The piezosurgery system creates an effective osteotomy with minimal or no trauma to soft tissue in contrast to conventional surgical burs or saws and minimizes a patient's psychological stress and fear during osteotomy under local anesthesia. The purpose of this article is to describe the harvesting of intraoral bone blocks using the piezoelectric surgery device.

Multitier Technique for Bone Augmentation Using Intraoral Autogenous Bone Blocks

Intraoral bone grafts are a convenient and acceptable source of autogenous bone for alveolar reconstruction due to bone origin similarity and less morbidity. In large bone defects, 1 tier might be insufficient to achieve the desired bone shape. The purpose of this article was to describe a multitier technique for reconstruction of extensive bone deficiency, using only intraoral block bone grafts for implant site augmentation. After clinical and radiographic evaluation of the recipient site, measurements were taken to determine the size of the bone deficiency. The first tier of bone graft was harvested from the mandibular ramus. After additional clinical and radiographic evaluation of the recipient site 5 months later, bone graft blocks for the second tier were harvested either from the second ramus or the mandibular symphysis. A new technique, the multitier intraoral bone block graft, for the future use of dental implants, is described. This technique can serve as an optional operation procedure for extensively atrophic alveolar bone augmentation.

Success of Dental Implants Placed in Intraoral Block Bone Grafts

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the survival and success of dental implants placed in alveolar bone following augmentation using intraoral block bone grafts. A consecutive retrospective study was conducted on patients who had onlay bone grafts for vertical or horizontal augmentations followed by dental implantation from 1999 to 2001. Files of 50 healthy patients who received 129 implants in augmented sites were reviewed. Implant survival, radiologic implant success (marginal bone loss), and complications were recorded. Follow-up from time of implantation ranged from 6 to 67 months (mean: 24.3 +/- 11.2 months). Ranges of implant widths and lengths were 3.25 to 4.7 mm and 10 to 16 mm, respectively. The overall survival rate was 96.9% (four implants were removed). Marginal bone loss around implants ranged from 0 to 3.3 mm (average: 0.22 +/- 0.45 mm). Only 5% of the implants presented marginal bone loss > or =1.5 mm over the follow-up time. Intraoral bone block graft surgery is a predictable operation for the use of dental implants. Implant placement in augmented areas presents high survival and radiologic success rates with minimal bone loss.

Surgical Success of Intraoral Autogenous Block Onlay Bone Grafting for Alveolar Ridge Augmentation

This article evaluates the surgical success of alveolar bone augmentation using intraoral block bone graft prior to dental implantation and measures the amount of bone accumulation using this technique. A consecutive retrospective study was conducted on patients who had onlay bone grafts from 1999 to 2001. Files of 56 healthy patients reporting 64 bone graft operations were reviewed. Medical history, smoking status, area of surgery, bone origin (donor sites) and complications were recorded. Panoramic and tomographic radiographs were measured for the vertical and horizontal bone addition and mesiodistal dimension of the graft. Graft exposure or/and graft removal were defined as failure; hematoma, swelling, inflammation, or temporary paresthesia were defined as complications. The average vertical addition was 5.6 mm measured from the bottom of the vertical lesion before bone grafting to the top of the graft. The average faciolingual addition was 3.8 mm. The mesiodistal graft length ranged from 4 mm to 67 mm (average 15.2 mm). According to our criteria, 56 (87.5%) of the 64 bone grafts were successful, 46 (71.9%) were totally uneventful, and 10 (15.6%) had complications. Smoking and diabetes were associated with a high rate of complications and graft failure. More complications were observed in the vertical than in the horizontal bone grafts. Intraoral bone block graft is a predictable operation with high success rates that provides faciolingual and vertical bone addition. Onlay bone grafting has a low rate of complications and failures. Intraoral bone graft should not be recommended for diabetic patients and smokers.