Comparison of morbidity-related parameters between autologous and allogeneic bone grafts for alveolar ridge augmentation from patients' perspective-A questionnaire-based cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: Alveolar ridge augmentation is often required before dental implant placement. In this context, autologous bone grafts are considered the biological gold standard. Still, bone block harvesting is accompanied by some serious potential disadvantages and possible complications, such as pain, bleeding, and nerve irritation. Several studies aimed to compare autologous to allogeneic bone grafts concerning bone quality and implant survival rates; this is the first prospective study analyzing and comparing morbidity-related parameters after alveolar ridge augmentation using autogenous and allogeneic bone blocks from patients' perspective. METHODS: Using a questionnaire, 36 patients were asked to evaluate the surgery as well as the post-operative period concerning pain, stress, sensibility deficits, satisfaction with, and consequences from the surgery as well as the preferred procedure for future alveolar ridge augmentations. RESULTS: No significant differences were shown regarding stress and pain during and after surgery, whereas the rate of nerve irritations was twice as high in the autologous group. The swelling was significantly higher in patients with autologous bone blocks (p = 0.001). Nevertheless, the overall satisfaction of patients of both groups was very high, with over 8/10 points. CONCLUSIONS: The swelling was the main reason for patients' discomfort in both groups and was significantly higher after autologous bone augmentation. Since this side effect seems to be a highly relevant factor for patients' comfort and satisfaction, it needs to be discussed during preoperative consultation to allow shared decision-making considering the anticipated morbidity.

Complications associated with vertical bone augmentation techniques in implant dentistry: A systematic review of clinical studies published in the last ten years.

Vertical bone augmentation procedures are increasingly necessary in daily practice. However, it has been reported that vertical ridge augmentation is one of the least predictable techniques in terms of complications. The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate and compare complications in relation to the different procedures used for vertical bone augmentation prior to implant placement. This review was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. An electronic search was carried out in four databases: The National Library of Medicine (MEDLINE/PubMed); Web of Science; SCOPUS; and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL). The Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale, the Cochrane Collaboration tool for assessing risk of bias, and The Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal tool were used to assess the quality of evidence in the studies reviewed. Twenty-five studies with a total of 749 vertically augmented sites were included in the review. Complication rates varied among the different procedures: 51.02% for distraction osteogenesis, 38.01% for bone blocks, and 16.80% for guided bone regeneration. Vertical bone augmentation procedures prior to implant placement are associated with frequent surgical complications and should be approached with caution due to their possible impact on clinical treatment success.

Preliminary Clinical Data and the Comparison of the Safety and Efficacy of Autogenous Bone Grafts Versus Xenograft Implantations in Vertical Bone Deficiencies Before Dental Implant Installation.

Two different techniques of vertical bone augmentation were compared to apply them to immunocompromised patients. One of them used autogenous bone graft; the other used xenograft. Thirty patients were involved in the study. Fifteen received autogenous ring shape grafts harvested from the mental region, and 15 received xenograft vertical tunnel augmentation. They have a total of 60 implants placed in the posterior region of the mandible (2 for each patient). Fixed full ceramic crowns were delivered. Two-year follow-up appointments after implant placement were made. Both autogenous bone grafts and xenografts showed similar long-term clinical regeneration outcome of vertical bone defects. Using autogenous bone rings simultaneously fixed by dental implants, the total treatment time and cost were shortened, but the traumatic reactions and complication rates were higher when compared to xenograft vertical tunnel augmentation. Due to the less traumatic character of the procedure, smaller complication rates and higher safety for the patients receiving chronic immunosuppression should avoid bone block augmentation and reap the benefits from vertical tunnel bone augmentation using xenograft materials.

Long-term Retrospective Study based on Implant Success Rate in Patients with Risk Factor: 15-year Follow-up.

AIM: The purpose of this retrospective study is to assess implant success rates with various risk factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two hundred patients with a total of 650 implants were selected. Risk factors, such as smoking, antidepressants, bruxism, diabetes, and bone augmentation procedures were considered, and patients were followed up for a period of 8 to 15 years. RESULTS: Of 650 implants placed, the success rate was 88%, i.e., a total of 572 implants were successful. A total of 78 implants were considered failure; and out of 78, twenty implants were surgically removed. CONCLUSION: Based on this study's results, it is concluded that risk factors, such as smoking, bruxism, diabetes, and bone augmentation play an important role in success rate of dental implants. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Several factors, such as bruxism, diabetes, and supporting bone can play an important role in dental implant success.

Risk factors for post-operative complications after procedures for autologous bone augmentation from different donor sites.

AIM: The aim of this study has been to identify risk factors for post-operative complications after grafting bone from different donor sites prior to implant placement. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study encompassed 279 patients who underwent autologous bone augmentations in a 2-stage procedure, harvested from three intraoral and one extraoral donor sites, as well as sinus floor elevations prior to implant placement. The following complications were recorded: soft tissue dehiscence; wound infection; bone graft exposure; sensory disturbance; sinusitis symptoms; haemorrhage; graft failure; implant failure. Complications were correlated with: patient age; smoking status; history of gingivitis/periodontitis; cause of tooth loss; jaw area; dental situation; sinus membrane perforation; surgeons' experience. RESULTS: 279 patients underwent 456 augmentation procedures, involving 546 sites. 436 grafts were successful. 525 implants were inserted into 436 augmented sites in 273 patients. 20 grafts were lost due to complications. 2 implants were removed before prosthetic restoration. 2 implants were lost within 2 years after placement. Age (p = 0.0009, Odds Ratio = 2.44), smoking (p < 0.0001, Odds Ratio = 2.47), Approximal Plaque Index (p < 0.0001, Odds Ratio = 6.64), Sulcus Bleeding Index (p < 0.0001, Odds Ratio = 39.06) and dental situation (p < 0.0001) were significantly correlated with higher post-operative morbidity. Cause of tooth loss (p = 0.7399), jaw area (p = 0.6725), sinus membrane perforation (p = 0.0762) and surgeons' experience (p = 0.0939) did not influence complication rates. CONCLUSIONS: Patients over 40 years old, smokers, a history of periodontitis, and augmentation in tooth gaps involving more than one tooth represent a significantly increased risk of there being post-operative complications compared with patients younger than 40 years old, non-smokers, no history of periodontitis, only a single-tooth gap, or free-end arch situations.

Efficacy of the split-thickness labial flap method for soft tissue management in anterior ridge horizontal augmentation procedures: A clinical prospective study in the anterior maxilla.

OBJECTIVE: To introduce a novel method of split-thickness labial flap in maxillary anterior ridge horizontal augmentation and to evaluate its efficacy and morbidity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 230 patients were selected to receive either particulate or onlay grafting. A split-thickness labial flap was applied to cover the grafted area and close the wound. The incidence of postsurgical complications and the level of patient discomfort were evaluated. A visual analog scale was used to quantify the amount of pain and swelling in the patients. RESULTS: In all 375 surgical sites, passive primary closure was achieved with the split-thickness labial flap method. Membrane exposure after surgery was seen in 6 cases in the onlay group and in 4 in the particulate group. No long-lasting pain (>1 week), paresthesia, or signs of infection occurred during the follow-up period of 6 months. The mean pain and swelling scores in the particulate graft group (2.75 ± 3.01 and 2.02 ± 2.51, respectively) were lower than the scores in the onlay graft group (3.18 ± 2.79 and 3.85 ± 2.25, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The flap advancement technique presented in this study facilitates clinically passive primary closure. This technique can be used successfully in both particulate and onlay horizontal graft procedures.

Effect of Deproteinized Bovine Bone Mineral at Implant Dehiscence Defects Grafted by the Sandwich Bone Augmentation Technique.

The aim of this study was to compare the amount of radiographic horizontal buccal bone thickness (BBT) at implant dehiscence defects grafted with the sandwich bone augmentation (SBA) and modified sandwich bone augmentation (MSBA) techniques. Compared to the SBA technique, the MSBA approach involved an additional outer layer of deproteinized bovine bone mineral (DBBM) to maintain the space for bone regeneration for longer periods. A total of 19 patients, each with a buccal implant dehiscence defect, were recruited. The control group was treated with SBA technique (n = 10), while the test group was treated with MSBA technique. Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans, taken at three time points (before and immediately after implant surgery, and 6 months post-treatment) were used to assess the BBT at the implant platform (-1.8 mm), the rough-smooth junction (0 mm), and 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 mm apical to the rough-smooth junction. At 6 months postsurgery, the mean BBT in control and test groups was 1.69 ± 0.38 mm and 2.55 ± 0.21 mm, respectively. Mean BBT was significantly greater in the test group at 2, 4, 6, and 8 mm apical to the rough-smooth junction. There was no statistical difference in the mean BBT at the implant platform, the rough-smooth junction, and 10 mm apical to the rough-smooth junction between the two groups (P > .05). Within the limitations of this study, it was concluded that the additional layer of DBBM enhanced BBT along the implant, except at the smooth collar.

Neurophysiological changes associated with implant-associated augmentation procedures in the lower jaw.

BACKGROUND: Neurophysiological changes after oral and maxillofacial surgery remain one of the topics of current research. PURPOSE: This study evaluated if implant placement associated with augmentation procedures increases the possibility of sensory disturbances or result in impaired quality of life during the healing period. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients who had obtained an implant placement in the lower jaw in combination with augmentation procedures were examined by implementing a comprehensive Quantitative Sensory Testing (QST) protocol for extra- and intraoral use. As augmentation procedures, we used Guided Bone Regeneration (Group A) and Customized Bone Regeneration (Group B) techniques. Patients were tested bilaterally at the chin and mucosal lower lip. Results were compared to a group without augmentation procedures (Group C). Patients' quality of life and psychological comorbidity after the surgical procedures was assessed with the Oral Health Impact Profile and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. RESULTS: For groups A (n = 20) and B (n = 8), mechanical QST parameters showed no significant differences in all qualities of the inferior alveolar nerve compared to the contralateral side and compared to the nonaugmentation control group (n = 32) as well. Evaluation of quality of life and psychological factors showed no statistical differences. CONCLUSIONS: Augmentation procedures did not increase sensory disturbances, indicating no changes in the neurophysiological pathways. Extended augmentation procedures did not lead to sensory changes either or result in an impaired quality of life or modified anxiety and depression scores.

Alveolar Ridge Splitting Versus Autogenous Onlay Bone Grafting: Complications and Implant Survival Rates.

PURPOSE: To compare the complications and implant survival rates of localized alveolar ridge deficiencies in the horizontal dimension reconstructed by alveolar ridge splitting (ARS) or autogenous onlay bone grafting (OBG). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-eight ARS and 28 OBG were performed. The survival rate of the all included implants was evaluated using the clinical and radiographical evaluation criteria of Misch et al. Temporary exposure of graft, mild infection, temporary paresthesia, and bad split were defined as minor complications; permanent exposure of graft, loss of graft, and permanent paresthesia were defined as major complications. Major and minor complications of ARS and OBG groups were statistically compared. RESULTS: When the minor and major complication rates are considered, there was not any statistically significant difference between OBG (P = 0.099) and ARS (P = 0.241) groups. The satisfactory survival rate of OBG group was 92% and was 100% in the ARS group, and the difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.116). CONCLUSION: When reconstructing vertically sufficient but horizontally insufficient alveolar ridges, ridge splitting technique could shorten the treatment period, decrease postoperative swelling and pain, eliminate the need for a second surgical site, reduce the treatment cost, and ease the patient cooperation to the surgery.

Analysis of Resorption and Need for Overcorrection in Alveolar Distraction Osteogenesis.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the degree of resorption that occurs following a period of consolidation in alveolar distraction osteogenesis and assess the amount of overcorrection necessary to achieve the planned height. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective observational study was conducted comprising 19 surgically treated patients, where a total of 19 extraosseous distractors were placed. All patients undergoing surgery had a panoramic radiograph and a computed tomography scan, both at the end of distraction and at the end of the consolidation period. To assess the degree of resorption, the distance from the mandibular border, maxillary sinus floor, or nasal floor to the limit of the crestal bone following consolidation was compared with the height recorded at the end of the distraction period. RESULTS: Resorption occurred in all cases ranging from 7% to 25%. CONCLUSION: The presence of resorption reported from this study indicates that an overcorrection of at least 20% may be necessary when distraction osteogenesis is performed.

Bilamina cortical tenting grafting technique for three-dimensional reconstruction of severely atrophic alveolar ridges in anterior maxillae: A 6-year prospective study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and long-term outcome of the bilaminar cortical tenting grafting technique for reconstruction of vertical and horizontal alveolar ridge defects. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A bone block harvested from the lateral aspect of the mandibular ramus was bisected into two cortical laminae, which were then used to reconstruct the buccal and palatal walls of an alveolar ridge defect. The inter-laminar space was filled with particulate autogenous bone and the whole graft was covered with anorganic bone graft and collagen membrane. After 4-6 months, the width and height of the augmentation were recorded. The study sample consisted of 21 patients who were followed up for 6.09 ± 1.18-years. RESULTS: Vertical and horizontal bone gain was 5.70 ± 1.09 and 8.45 ± 0.87 mm, respectively, and respective resorption rates were 10.20% and 6.15%. One patient showed soft-tissue dehiscence, while all others healed without complication. After an average follow-up of 6-years, the block grafts were well integrated into the recipient sites and there was only a small reduction in the peri-implant bone level (0.77 ± 0.50 mm). CONCLUSION: This technique was effective and reliable for three-dimensional reconstruction of severely atrophic alveolar ridges in anterior maxillae.

Complications related to bone augmentation procedures of localized defects in the alveolar ridge. A retrospective clinical study.

PURPOSE: This retrospective clinical study aims to evaluate complications after augmentation of localized bone defects of the alveolar ridge. METHODS: From standardized registrations, the following complications related to bone augmentation procedures were recorded: soft tissue dehiscence, infection, sensory disturbance, additional augmentation procedures needed, and early implant failure. RESULTS: A total of 223 patients (132 women, 91 men; mean age 23.5 years; range 17-65 years) with 331 bone defects had bone augmentation performed into which 350 implants were placed. Soft tissue dehiscence occurred in 1.7 % after GBR procedures, 25.9 % after staged horizontal ridge augmentation, and 18.2 % after staged vertical ridge augmentation. Infections were diagnosed in 2 % after GBR procedures, 12.5 % after sinus floor elevation (SFE) (transcrestal technique), 5 % after staged SFE, 11 % after staged horizontal ridge augmentation, and 9 % after staged vertical ridge augmentation. Additional augmentation procedures were needed in 2 % after GBR procedures, 37 % after staged horizontal ridge augmentation, and 9 % after staged vertical ridge augmentation. A total of six early implant failures occurred (1.7 %), four after GBR procedures (1.6 %), and two (12 %) after staged vertical ridge augmentation. CONCLUSIONS: Predictable methods exist to augment localized defects in the alveolar ridge, as documented by low complication rates and high early implant survival rates.

A longitudinal retrospective study of the analysis of the risk factors of implant failure by the application of generalized estimating equations.

PURPOSE: Many studies have identified risk factors for dental implant failure, although few have investigated the correlation among implant fixtures within single patients. A better analytical method may include repeated measures analysis including generalized estimating equations (GEE). This retrospective cohort study aimed to (1) identify the risk factors for failure of dental implantation and (2) evaluate an analytical method using GEE analysis. METHODS: We analyzed data on early and late implant failures in 296 patients providing 721 rough surface dental implants (2.44 implants per patient). Potential predictors of implant failure included age, gender, smoking, location of implant, use of bone augmentation, number of remaining teeth, opposing tooth condition, fixture length, fixture diameter and type of suprastructure (fixed or removable partial denture). The likelihood of early and late implant failure was estimated by GEE. RESULTS: The early failure rate was 1.5% (11/721 implants, 7/296 patients) and the 10-year cumulative survival rate was 94.0% (7/710 implants, 5/293 patients). The GEE analysis revealed that a significant risk factor for early implant failure was smoking (p<0.01), whereas significant risk factors for late failure were maxillary implant (p=0.02), posterior implant (p<0.01), number of remaining teeth (≥20) (p<0.01), opposing unit being a removable partial denture or nothing (p=0.04) and having a removable type suprastructure (p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: GEE analysis showed that smoking was a risk factor for early implant failure, and several risk factors were identified for late implant failure.

An innovative technique to manage sinus membrane perforations: report of two cases.

The most frequent intraoperative complication of maxillary sinus elevation procedures is the perforation of the sinus membrane, for which various protocols and grafting materials have been proposed in the literature. This article describes a novel suturing technique to close large sinus mucosa perforations. The technique is demonstrated through two clinical cases in which the sinus perforations occurred (1) in the course of a maxillary sinus elevation procedure and (2) after the removal of a cystic lesion. Bone grafting material and dental implants were placed simultaneously with the sinus repair. No infections occurred, and clinical and radiographic outcomes at 1 year postloading revealed successful implant osseointegration.

Evaluation of the treatment modalities for neurosensory disturbances of the inferior alveolar nerve following retromolar bone harvesting for bone augmentation.

SUBJECTS: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the treatment modalities for neurosensory disturbances (NSDs) of the inferior alveolar nerve occurring after retromolar bone harvesting for bone augmentation procedures before implant placement. METHODS: One hundred four patients, of which 49 and 55 exhibited vertical or horizontal alveolar ridge defects in the mandible and maxilla, respectively, were enrolled. Nineteen patients underwent block bone grafting, 38 underwent guided bone generation or autogenous bone grafting combined with titanium mesh reconstruction, and 47 underwent sinus floor augmentation. Using a visual analog scale, we examined subjective symptoms and discomfort related to sensory alteration within the area of the NSDs in these patients. NSDs were clinically investigated using a two-point discrimination test with blunt-tipped calipers. In addition, neurometry was used for evaluation of trigeminal nerve injury. We tested three treatment modalities for NSDs: follow-up observation (no treatment), medication, and stellate ganglion block (SGB). RESULTS: A week after surgery, 26 patients (25.0%) experienced NSDs. Five patients received no treatment, 10 patients received medication, and 11 patients received SGB. Three months after surgery, patients in the medication and SGB group achieved complete recovery. Current perception threshold values recovered to near-baseline values at 3 months: recovery was much earlier in this group than in the other two groups. SGB can accelerate recovery from NSDs. CONCLUSIONS: Our results justify SGB as a reasonable treatment modality for NSDs occurring after the harvesting of retromolar bone grafts.

Ridge expansion alone or in combination with guided bone regeneration to facilitate implant placement in narrow alveolar ridges: a retrospective study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the long-term outcomes of ridge expansion technique in dealing with horizontal bony insufficiency of alveolar ridges for implant placement. MATERIALS AND METHODS: During the period 2004-2009, 168 patients with width insufficiency of alveolar ridges were treated using the ridge expansion technique to obtain an improved bony base for implant placement. Depending on the severity of width insufficiency, the surgical procedures were classified into two groups: ridge expansion alone (Group 1) and ridge expansion in combination with guided bone regeneration (Group 2). After 4-6 months of unloaded healing, the implants were restored. The patients were followed up until 2013 with clinical and radiographic examinations. RESULTS: Among the 168 patients, 11 patients underwent a fracture of labial/buccal bony plate during surgery, which was corrected by changing the procedure into bone grafting, yielding a surgical failure rate of 6.5%. In the remaining 157 patients successfully treated by ridge expansion alone or in combination with GBR, 226 implants were simultaneously placed as planned. No implant failed over 2.8 years (6 months to 8 years) of follow-up, yielding a cumulative implant survival rate of 100% in each group. Six implants in Group 1 and 4 implants in Group 2, although osseointegrated and in function, did not fulfill success criteria: Cumulative implants' success rates were 93.2% in Group 1 and 95.6% in Group 2. The mean marginal bone losses during the first year in Group 1 and Group 2 were 0.69 and 0.43 mm, respectively, followed by an annual loss of ~ 0.06 and 0.07 mm, respectively, in the following years. No clinical parameter was abnormal. Twenty-two (10.4%) implants were exposed to peri-implant mucositis, whereas 19 (11.0%) implant-supported restorations were involved in prosthetic complications. CONCLUSIONS: The preliminary results of this retrospective study indicate that ridge expansion alone or in combination with GBR can be considered an effective and safe procedure for treatment of width insufficiency of alveolar ridges on the purpose of implant application.

Vertical ridge augmentation with titanium-reinforced, dense-PTFE membranes and a combination of particulated autogenous bone and anorganic bovine bone-derived mineral: a prospective case series in 19 patients.

PURPOSE: This prospective case series evaluated the use of a new titanium-reinforced nonresorbable membrane (high-density polytetrafluoroethylene), in combination with a mixture of anorganic bovine bone-derived mineral (ABBM) and autogenous particulated bone, for vertical augmentation of deficient alveolar ridges. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A mixture of ABBM and autogenous particulated bone was used for vertical ridge augmentation and covered with a new titanium-reinforced nonresorbable membrane. Ridge measurements were obtained before and after the procedure, complications were recorded, and biopsy specimens were taken for histologic examination. RESULTS: Twenty vertical ridge augmentation procedures were carried out in 19 patients. All treated defect sites exhibited excellent bone formation, with an average bone gain of 5.45 mm (standard deviation 1.93 mm). The healing period was uneventful, and no complications were observed. Eight specimens were examined histologically; on average, autogenous or regenerated bone represented 36.6% of the specimens, ABBM 16.6%, and marrow space 46.8%. No inflammatory responses or foreign-body reactions were noted in the specimens. CONCLUSION: The treatment of vertically deficient alveolar ridges with guided bone regeneration using a mixture of autogenous bone and ABBM and a new titanium-reinforced nonresorbable membrane can be considered successful.

Assessment of short dental implants restored with single-unit nonsplinted restorations.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the survival rate of short (≤9 mm) implants restored with single-unit, nonsplinted crowns after an average follow-up of 37 months (21-94 months). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two hundred and twenty-one implants placed in 168 patients (74 men, 94 women, aged 34-87 years, mean = 61 years). Implant lengths were 6 (n = 16), 8 (n = 166), 8.5 (n = 2), or 9 mm (n = 34). The implant diameters ranged from 3.7 to 5.6 mm. Implants were placed in the maxillary (n = 44) and mandibular arches (n = 176). RESULTS: Survival rate was 94.1% (maxilla [88.6%] and mandible [96.0%]) and 12 early failures (first 4 months) and 1 late failure (4.5 years in the maxillary molar region) observed. Of the 12 early failures, 4 were in the maxilla (2 premolars and 2 molars) and 8 in the mandible (2 premolars and 6 molars). The early failures were 11 implants of 8 mm long and a 9-mm implant. Smoking cigarettes, diabetes mellitus, and bone augmentation procedures were not associated with implant failure significantly (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Survival rate of short implants restored with single-unit, nonsplinted restorations over an average period of 37 months was favorable and comparable with longer implants.

Sinonasal complications resulting from dental treatment: outcome-oriented proposal of classification and surgical protocol.

BACKGROUND: Odontogenic sinusitis is a relevant infectious condition of the paranasal sinuses. The widespread use of dental implants and reconstructive procedures for dental implant placement has led to new types of complication. To the authors' knowledge, no publication has extensively examined sinonasal complications resulting from dental treatment, and no classification system allowing standardization and comparison of results is currently available. This study was designed to (a) analyze the results obtained from surgical treatment of complications resulting from dental procedures combining functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) and an intraoral approach and (b) propose a new classification system and standardized treatment protocols for sinonasal complications resulting from dental procedures. METHODS: A total of 257 patients consecutively treated with FESS (136 in conjunction with oral surgery) were included in the study. Different clinical situations were integrated into a new classification system based on the pathogenesis and clinical aspects of each case, with the aim of identifying homogenous treatment groups. Results were evaluated for each class. RESULTS: Of the 257 patients, 254 were successfully treated with surgery performed according to the proposed protocols. Three of 257 patients required a second surgery, after which they completely recovered. Complications of implant and preimplant surgery (maxillary sinus floor elevation) showed longer recovery times. CONCLUSION: The results obtained are very encouraging. The majority of patients (254/257; 98.8%) were successfully treated with the proposed protocols. These results seem to indicate that the rationalization of surgical treatment protocols according to the initial clinical situation may significantly improve the clinical outcome.

Localized lateral alveolar ridge augmentation with block bone grafts: simultaneous versus delayed implant placement: a clinical and radiographic retrospective study.

PURPOSE: To retrospectively evaluate the 1-year outcome of implant therapy involving localized lateral alveolar ridge augmentation with block bone grafts, and to compare outcomes of implants inserted simultaneously with grafting or after a healing period. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Consecutively treated patients undergoing alveolar ridge augmentation with autogenous intraoral block grafts before or simultaneous with implant placement between 2005 and 2010 in the Oral Surgery Unit of the University of Valencia were included. The selection of procedure (simultaneous vs delayed implant placement, donor site) was based upon the criterion of the surgeon and thorough evaluation of each patient. All grafts were obtained with piezosurgery. Complications related to augmentation, implant survival, implant success, and peri-implant marginal bone loss were assessed. RESULTS: Forty-two patients were included; 45 sites were augmented and 71 implants were inserted (33 delayed and 38 simultaneously). Complications (temporary paresthesia, wound dehiscence with bone graft exposure, and exposure of osteosynthesis screw) occurred after bone harvesting in nine patients; four were in the simultaneous group and five were in the delayed group. Six grafts were not successful; four were lost and two provided insufficient bone (after resorption) for ideal implant placement. The implant survival rate was 98.5% (100% for simultaneous and 96.9% for delayed implants) and the implant success rate was 92.9% (89.5% for simultaneous and 96.9% for delayed implants). Average marginal bone loss 1 year after loading was significantly higher for simultaneously placed implants (0.69 ± 0.67 mm) than for delayed implants (0.20 ± 0.50 mm). CONCLUSIONS: In lateral bone atrophy, block bone grafts provided sufficient bone for implant therapy, with few complications. Both simultaneous and delayed implant placement yielded high implant survival and success rates. Average marginal bone loss was significantly higher around simultaneously inserted implants.