AUGMENTATION OF LOCALIZED DEFECTS OF THE ANTERIOR MAXILLARY RIDGE WITH AUTOGENOUS BONE BEFORE INSERTION OF IMPLANTS

Purpose: This study evaluated the applicability of intraorally harvest ed autogenous bone grafts for the augmentation of the narrow maxillary alveolar ridge to enable insertion of implants for single tooth repla cement. Materials and Methods: Local defects of the anterior maxilla w ere reconstructed in 27 patients with autogenous bone grafts from the mandibular symphysis (n=12), maxillary tuberosity (n=8), or mandibular retromolar area (n =7). Three months after grafting, either Branemark (n=23) or ITI Benefit implants (n=8) were inserted. Results: At the t ime of implantation, all grafted sites showed sufficient bone volume f or insertion of the implants. Twenty-four to 68 months after insertion , all implants were functioning well. Conclusion: Augmentation of loca l alveolar defects in the maxilla with intra-orally harvested autogeno us bone grafts appears to be a reliable method to enable implant place ment.