The use of fresh frozen allogeneic bone for maxillary and mandibular reconstruction.

The use of fresh frozen bone (FFB) alone, or in combination with autogenous bone (AB), for bony augmentation of the maxilla and mandible in preparation for dental reconstruction with endosseous implants has been studied. Ten patients received FFB +/- AB for augmentation of a severely atrophic mandible (n = 6) or for reconstruction of a jaw defect secondary to trauma or tumor resection (n = 4). Average follow-up was 26.3 +/- 5.4 months. At the time of implant placement, the bone grafts were found to be firm in consistency, well incorporated, and well vascularized in all 10 patients. Twenty-nine endosseous implants were placed an average of 8.3 +/- 3.1 months following bone grafting. One implant failed and was replaced, and one implant remains buried as a nonfunctional unit. All patients have been restored prosthetically by means of 28 of the 29 implants. This preliminary study indicates that FFB may be used alone or in combination with autogenous bone for augmentation or reconstruction of the atrophic maxilla and mandible. The resultant ridge is adequate to support loaded endosseous implants. A potential disadvantage is the minimal risk of disease transmission.     

Clinical report with up to 4 years of follow-up on a cervically modified stepped screw-type implant

PURPOSE: In 1998, a modification of the macrostructure of the Frialit-2 implant in the cervical region was introduced to stabilize peri-implant bone. Limited data are available on the clinical effect of this modification. Therefore, the soft-tissue situation, marginal bone loss, and implant failure rate were analyzed after 4 years of clinical experience with the modified Frialit-2 Synchro implant. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From 1998 to 2001, 190 cervically modified implants were placed and documented prospectively in 58 patients. Of these implants, 147 were placed in original jaw bone, 22 in areas augmented with local osteoplasty, and 21 in iliac crest bone graft. The main indications for implantation were an atrophic edentulous alveolar crest (n = 99) and support for a partial denture (n = 39), followed by restoration of a shortened dental arch (n = 28) and single tooth replacement (n = 24). In a special clinical examination, 39 patients with 134 implants were investigated. RESULTS: The average in situ time of the 134 implants was 23.1 months. Failing osseointegration (n = 10), peri-implantitis (n = 1), and tumor resection (n = 3) in 8 patients resulted in the failure of 14 of 190 implants (7.4%). One patient with 4 implants died (2.1%). Currently, 3 patients with a total of 6 implants have been lost to follow-up (3.1%), and 166 implants remain in situ (87.4% of 190). DISCUSSION: Using different implant success criteria, success rates of 88.8% and 82.8% were calculated. CONCLUSION: Based on the results, the Frialit-2 Synchro implant appears to be a useful implant system for the indications analyzed.     

Clinical, histologic, and histomorphometric evaluation of mineralized solvent-dehydrated bone allograf (Puros) in human maxillary sinus grafts

Demineralized freeze-dried bone allografts (DFDBA) have been successfully used alone or in composite grafts for many decades. Little research has been done on the effect of retaining the mineral content of bone allografts. This study histologically and histomorphometrically evaluated a new mineralized bone allograft material placed in human atrophic maxillary sinuses. Seven partially edentulous patients requiring sinus grafts before implant placement were selected for this study Their age range was 56 to 81 years (mean 67.7 years). Test grafts consisted of a mineralized solvent-dehydrated cancellous bone allograft, and control grafts were a composite of DFDBA and deproteinized bovine bone xenograft (1:1). Bilateral cases (n = 3) received both test and control grafts on opposite sides, and unilateral cases received either a test (n = 3) or control (n = 1) graft only. At 10 months, core biopsies were taken from each graft site, and dental implants were placed into the augmented bone. All bone grafts resulted in new bone formation and all implants osseointegrated. Test grafts resorbed and were replaced by newly formed bone significantly faster and in greater quantities than were control grafts. No complications with grafts or implants were noted. Both test and control grafts achieved excellent results. The faster bone formation observed with the test graft may be due, in part, to its smaller particle size compared with the bovine portion of the control graft. Test grafts were either replaced by new bone or displayed new bone-to-particle surface contact in higher percentages than did control grafts. No differences in osseointegration or graft stability were noted 2 years after the study.     

Predictability of simultaneous implant placement in the severely atrophic posterior maxilla: A 9-year longitudinal experience study of 2132 implants placed into 731 human sinus grafts

PURPOSE: One-stage implant placement in the grafted maxillary sinus has traditionally been limited to patients with at least 5 mm of residual bone to ensure complete implant stabilization. The aim of this prospective study was to determine the long-term survival rates of implants with roughened surfaces placed immediately into maxillary sinus grafts in patients with 1 to 5 mm of residual bone. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 2132 microtextured screw-type (n=1374) or hydroxyapatite-coated cylinder-type (n=758) implants were immediately placed into the grafted sinuses of 731 patients. The implants were restored and monitored for up to 9 years of clinical follow-up. RESULTS: Cumulative survival at 9 years was 97.9% (n=2091 implants); 20.4% of the implants were placed in 1 to 2 mm of residual bone. Discussion: Initial implant stability and parallelism were achieved through a combination of meticulous condensation of the particulate bone graft material around the implants, the frictional interface of the roughened implant surfaces and the host tissues, and selection of an appropriate graft material. CONCLUSIONS: Simultaneous implant placement into sinus floor grafts can be a predictable treatment option for patients with at least 1 to 2 mm of vertical residual bone height when careful case planning and meticulous surgical techniques are used.     

Behavior of implants in bone grafts or free flaps after tumor resection

The authors compared bone resorption of autogenous bone grafts and revascularized free flaps used for the reconstruction of mandibular continuity defects following resection for tumors, before and after the placement of endosseous implants. Ten patients (group 1) were treated with autogenous bone grafts taken from the fibula or the anterior iliac crest; 8 patients (group 2) were treated with iliac or fibula revascularized flaps. Four to 8 months later, 72 endosseous implants were placed in the reconstructed areas. After a further healing period of 4-6 months, patients were rehabilitated with implant-borne prostheses. The following parameters were evaluated and compared between the two groups: 1) bone resorption of grafts and free flaps before and after implant placement; 2) peri-implant bone resorption mesial and distal to each implant, immediately after prosthetic rehabilitation and then during yearly follow-ups. Bone resorption before implant placement showed mean values of 3.53 mm in group 1, and 0.96 mm in group 2. Peri-implant bone resorption was: 0.49 mm (39 implants) in group 1, and 0.45 mm (30 implants) in group 2, at time of prosthetic rehabilitation; 0.78 mm (39 implants) in group 1, and 0.89 mm (30 implants) in group 2, 12 months after prosthetic load; 1.16 mm (24 implants) in group 1, and 1.02 mm (13 implants) in group 2, 24 months after the prosthetic load. A significant difference in bone resorption before implant placement was found between the two groups, whereas it was not found after implant placement and prosthetic load. The failure rate according to Albrektsson criteria was 4.9% (2/41 implants) in group 1, and was 3.2% (1/31) in group 2.     

Long-term results of mandibular reconstruction with autogenous bone grafts and oral implants after tumor resection

Objectives: (a) To evaluate retrospectively the clinical outcome of non‐vascularized bone grafts used for the reconstruction of mandibular defects following tumor resection; (b) to evaluate the clinical outcome of implants and implant‐supported prostheses placed in the reconstructed areas; and (c) to evaluate patients' satisfaction regarding function and esthetics after oral rehabilitation. Material and methods: In a 9‐year period (1995–2003), 29 patients affected by mandibular tumors involving to tooth bearing areas were treated by means of tumor resection and immediate or delayed reconstruction with autogenous non‐revascularized calvarial or iliac bone grafts. Among these patients, 16 patients were selected for dental rehabilitation of the lost dentition with implant‐supported 3fixed prosthese333s. For to 7 months later, the patients received 60 oral implants for the prosthetic rehabilitation of the reconstructed edentulous areas. Results: No total failure of the graft was observed, while partial loss of the graft was observed in one patient. The mean follow‐up of patients after the start of prosthetic loading of implants treated was 94 months (range: 36–132 months). Two patients dropped out of the follow‐up after 3 and 4 years of observation, respectively. Two implants were removed due to loss of osseointegration, while two implants, although still integrated, presented peri‐implant bone resorption values higher than those proposed by Albrektsson et al. for successful implants. Cumulative survival and success rates of implants were 96.7% and 93.3%, respectively. Conclusion: Results from this study demonstrated that bone defects following resection of mandibular tumors can be predictably reconstructed with autogenous bone grafts taken from the calvarium or the anterior iliac crest. It has also been shown that the long‐term survival and success rates of implants placed in the reconstructed areas (96.7% and 93.3%, respectively) may guarantee an excellent prognosis of implant‐supported prostheses.     

Long-term results of endosteal implants used for restoration of oral function after oncologic surgery.

The aim of the present study was to analyse the long-term survival rate of endosteal implants used for restoration of oral function in patients having undergone oncologic surgery. Eighty-three consecutive patients, who had received a total of 409 endosteal implants ad modum Br?nemark, subsequent to resections of soft tissue and bone during ablation of oral malignancies, were enrolled into the study. A life-table analysis was used to determine the survival rate of the implants placed during a period of 13 years. Log rank tests and Cox regression analysis were employed to identify relevant effects of surgical parameters on implant survival. A total of 38 implant failures were encountered. Most of the losses (n = 19) occurred during the first year of functional loading. Subsequent failures were evenly distributed across the remaining follow-up period. The cumulative overall survival rate of implants was 56.5%. Previous radiation therapy, insertion into grafted bone or original jaw bone and the technique of grafting did not significantly affect the survival rates. In the Cox regression analysis, the timing of implant placement in the group of patients with bone grafts (primary vs. secondary placement) was significantly related to the survival rate (P = 0.0197), with a lower survival rate of 36.2% for primary insertion of implants and 67.1% for secondary placement.     

Staged reconstruction of the severely atrophic mandible with autogenous bone graft and endosteal implants.

PURPOSE: Vastly different surgical techniques have been advocated for osseous reconstruction of the severely atrophic mandible. Endosseous implants placed in autologous bone grafts have been proposed to minimize graft resorption and restore function; however, sufficient bone must exist to support the implants and prevent pathologic fracture. The purpose of this retrospective analysis was to assess the efficacy of autologous bone grafting and the subsequent placement of endosteal implants as a staged procedure in patients with severely atrophic mandibles. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The records of all patients presenting to The University of North Carolina for treatment from 1997 to 1999 with atrophic mandibles (vertical mandibular height <7 mm as measured on panoramic radiographs in at least 1 site at the mandibular midline and at the thinnest portion of the mandibular body) were reviewed. Bone height was assessed preoperatively, immediately postoperatively, at the time of implant placement (4 to 6 months), and again at 12 and 24 months after bone grafting from posterior iliac crest to the mandible via an extraoral approach. Five endosteal implants were subsequently placed in each patient as a delayed procedure 4 to 6 months after bone grafting, and prosthetic rehabilitation was completed with implant supported prostheses. RESULTS: Fourteen consecutive patients were identified with a median preoperative bone height of 9 mm (interquartile range, 25th to 75th percentile [IQ], 7 to 10 mm) in the mandibular midline and 5 mm (IQ, 2 to 5 mm) in the body region. There were no perioperative complications. Median estimated blood loss during the bone graft procedure, as estimated by the surgeon and the anesthesiologist, was 300 mL (IQ, 150 to 1,100 mL), and 1 patient required blood transfusion secondary to symptomatic anemia. The mean loss of vertical bone height after grafting and during the 4 to 6 months before implant placement was 33%. After implant placement and at 12 months, the vertical bone loss was negligible in the implant-supported region and less than 11% in the body region. CONCLUSION: Reconstruction of the severely atrophic mandible using autogenous corticocancellous bone grafts followed by placement of osseointegrated implants in 4 to 6 months can restore and maintain mandibular bone sufficient to support implants and facilitate successful restoration of occlusion. A prospective study is planned to identify predictors of successful outcomes compared with other surgical/prosthetic treatment.     

骨移植共同期或延期种植修复颌骨功能临床初探

目的:对2000年2月至2005年12月治疗的颌骨功能重建患者做回顾分析。方法:对8例因良性肿瘤术后,创伤造成颌骨缺损患者,进行骨移植,同期或延期种植术;选择性应用骨粉和骨生长引导膜;角化牙根移植,义齿修复。结果:8例患者共植入38枚种植体,除1枚未实现骨愈合外,37枚修复重建全部成功,取得颌面部外形与功能均理想效果。结论:颌骨损伤后,采用非血管化和血管化骨游离移植,进行即刻或延期牙种植修复技术,能使患者取得颌骨功能性重建。     

Sinus floor augmentation with autogenous iliac bone block grafts: a histological and histomorphometrical report on the two-step surgical technique

In thirteen patients, screw-type endosseous implants were inserted 6 months after sinus floor elevation and augmentation with autogenous iliac bone block grafts. Bone biopsies were harvested at graft positioning (baseline), at implant placement (6 month) and at abutment connection (1 year). Histological evaluation suggested a decrease in the volume of mineralized tissue and in the vitality of the grafts 6 months after graft insertion, followed by an increase at abutment connection. Histomorphometric analysis of the bone specimens showed that, at implant placement, bone content was reduced by 5.2% on average, while 12 months after grafting it had increased by 4.8% compared to the amount of mineralized tissue contained in the graft at baseline. The results suggest that in sinus floor augmentation procedures with autogenous iliac bone blocks, a two-step surgical technique allows implant insertion when graft healing is entering a phase of greater density and vitality.     

Immediate dental implant placement in calvarial bone grafts to rehabilitate the severely resorbed edentulous maxilla: A prospective pilot study

Purpose

The aim of this study was to describe the surgical technique of immediate dental implant placement in calvarial grafts for augmentation of the severely resorbed maxilla and to assess the treatment results.

The influence of mandibular dentition on implant failures in bone-grafted edentulous maxillae

PURPOSE: To evaluate the influence of mandibular dentition on the performance of maxillary implants prior to definitive prosthesis attachment in maxillae that have been reconstructed with autogenous bone grafts. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of 90 consecutive patients, 31 men and 59 women, with a mean age of 57.4 years, was conducted. All patients underwent treatment planning to receive endosseous implants in the edentulous maxilla in conjunction with autogenous bone grafting. During the time from implant and/or bone graft placement until placement of the definitive restorations in the maxillae, the mandibular dentitions were recorded and categorized into 6 groups based upon the presence and distribution of teeth. RESULTS: Of 643 implants placed, 118 (18.4%) were lost between implant placement and definitive prosthesis placement. The type of mandibular dentition was significantly associated with implant failure during this time interval (P < .001). In particular, the patients with implants opposing unilateral occlusal support showed the highest rate of implant failure (43.8%, or 28 of 64 implants). Implants that opposed a mandibular implant-supported fixed prosthesis demonstrated an implant failure rate of 14.3% (10 of 70), and in patients with a removable mandibular denture, the implant failure rate was 6.2% (4 of 65 implants failed). The overall mean patient follow-up was 64.2 months. At 60 months, the cumulative implant failure rate based on the Kaplan-Meier method was 20.2%. DISCUSSION: Unfavorable concentration of forces on the maxilla may contribute to increased risk of implant failure. CONCLUSION: Effort should be made to create a favorable occlusion in the mandible, with attention being paid to broad distribution of occlusal contacts.     

Maxillary alveolar ridge reconstruction with monocortical fresh-frozen bone blocks: a clinical, histological and histomorphometric study

BackgroundThis investigation is a clinical and histological assessment of fresh-frozen bone use in the reconstruction of maxillary alveolar ridges. The study evaluates the effectiveness of this material as a bone filler prior the placement of dental implants.Patients and methodsSixteen patients with atrophic maxillary ridges underwent maxillary reconstruction with fresh-frozen tibial human block grafts prior to implant placement. Sampling procedures were carried out 4, 6 and 9 months later when a bone core was removed from the grafts for histological and histomorphometric analysis.ResultsEighteen blocks were placed, and each patient received either 1 or 2 blocks. During the sampling procedures, all of the grafts were found to be firm in consistency, well-incorporated, and vascularized. A total of 34 implants were placed into the grafts with a minimum of 40-Newton-cm torque in all cases. The follow-up period ranged from 18 to 30 months. No implants were lost. The histological analysis revealed vital bone with mature and compact osseous tissue surrounded by marrow spaces.ConclusionBone allografts can be used successfully as graft material for the treatment of maxillary ridge defects. This type of bone graft can be used safely in the areas of implant placement as a suitable alternative to autogenous grafts.     

Bone grafting of cleft lip and palate patients for placement of endosseous implants.

OBJECTIVE: Fixation of a prosthesis or single tooth replacement using osseointegrated implants has the potential to overcome functional and psychological inconveniences that many patients experience from such appliances. However, the dimensions of the recipient site are relatively often inadequate for implant placement. This study assessed grafting of this site with autogenous bone as a solution for the latter problem. METHODS: Ten cleft lip and palate patients had bone grafts; six had iliac crest grafts to the maxillary sinus floor (31 implants), and four had chin bone grafts to the local defect in the anterior maxilla (six implants). Implants were inserted during the grafting procedure (one patient) or after 3 months (nine patients). RESULTS: No inflammation of the bone grafts or the maxillary sinus occurred. One implant was lost during the healing phase. Four single tooth restorations, one fixed bridge, and five implant-supported overdentures were made. During the follow-up, which was 47 months (range, 28 to 65 months) in the anterior maxilla group and 56 months (range, 28 to 68 months) in the posterior maxilla group, no loss of implants was observed, and all prosthetic appliances functioned well. CONCLUSIONS: It is concluded that bone grafting followed by placement of dental implants can serve as a reliable alternative for conventional prosthetic rehabilitation of cleft patients.     

Preservation of the ridge and sealing of the socket with a combination epithelialised and subepithelial connective tissue graft for management of defects in the buccal bone before insertion of implants: a case series

Defects in the layer of buccal bone lead to its loss after tooth extractions. This requires hard tissue grafting before implants can be put in place. The aim of this study was to evaluate the stability of hard tissue grafts inserted at the same time as the teeth were extracted. Teeth had to be extracted because of defects in the buccal bone. Extractions were combined with preservation of the ridge using autogenous and artificial bone. A combination epithelialised and subepithelial connective tissue graft was used to seal the socket. Wound healing was assessed and the width of the alveolar crest was measured after hard tissue grafting and during insertion of the implants. We studied 39 patients (20 female, 19 male, mean (SD) age 41 (7.9) years) who had 43 teeth extracted together with preservation of the ridge. One patient failed to attend for placement of the implant. Thirty-nine implants were inserted 5.3 (0.4) months after preservation of the ridge. Two patients developed partial necrosis of the combination graft, but in all other cases primary wound healing was uneventful. In three cases the bone grafts failed to consolidate. The mean (SD) width of the alveolar crest was after bone grafting 6.80 (1.20) mm and during insertion of implants 5.65 (1.50) mm; the mean resorption of the bone grafts was 1.2 (1.1) mm. We conclude that bone grafting to rebuild buccal alveolar defects at the same time that the tooth is extracted, combined with a soft tissue graft to seal the socket, showed promising results and could be an alternative treatment to delayed hard tissue grafting.     

Implant reconstruction of the bone-grafted maxilla: review of the literature and presentation of 8 cases.

PURPOSE: This study prospectively investigates the long-term success of iliac crest bone grafting and the secondary placement of osseointegrated implants in reconstructing maxillae with severely reduced bone mass. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eight consecutive patients (7 women, 1 man), aged 18 to 69 (mean, 49.6), were treated by augmentation of their maxillae with corticocancellous autogenous iliac bone blocks. Forty-one Branemark implants of 7 to 15 mm in length and 3.75 mm in diameter were placed after a minimum delay of 6 months. Bone healing, maintenance of bone height, and implant stability were measured by clinical examination and radiographic control. RESULTS: One patient was lost to follow-up at 24 months after delivery of the prosthesis and one was lost at 75 months. The average duration of follow-up after loading of the implants was 90.5 months, and the longest was 154 months. Thirty-four of 41 (83%) of the implants survived to the end of the observation period. Four of 6 implants that failed were 7 mm in length and the other 2 were 10 mm in length. One 10-mm implant was "slept" because of poor positioning. All prostheses survived. There was one significant gingival infection that resulted in loss of 1.5 mm of bone after which the implant remained stable. None of the other implants were associated with crestal bone loss of more than 0.5 mm for the duration of this study. CONCLUSIONS: Delayed placement of osseointegrated implants in maxillae augmented by iliac bone grafts is predictable and successful in the long term.     

血管化骨移植修复颌骨严重缺损并种植义齿修复

目的:颌骨外伤、肿瘤或其他疾病常导致上下颌骨严重缺损,此时如何重建口腔颌面部的形态和功能一直是口腔修复的难点和挑战。本研究旨在观察血管化骨移植修复颌骨缺损并种植义齿修复的临床效果。方法:对12例颌骨严重缺损患者行血管化髂骨肌瓣或血管化腓骨肌皮瓣修复骨缺损,对牙列缺损患者采用手术导板指导移植骨块的定位,7例患者在导板指导下行同期牙种植体植入术。5例患者在术后4～6月行延期牙种植体植入术。3～4月后行种植义齿修复,其中种植覆盖义齿4例,种植固定义齿8例。结果:所有病例的血管化自体骨移植均获成功。种植义齿修复后经3～24月的临床观察,X片显示种植体与移植骨间未见透射影,2例发生种植体周围软组织增生,患者对形态和功能恢复感到满意。结论:血管化骨移植并种植义齿修复用于颌骨严重缺损的功能重建可获得良好的临床效果,其远期疗效有待进一步观察。     

Le Fort I osteotomy with interpositional bone grafts and delayed oral implants for the rehabilitation of extremely atrophied maxillae: a 1-9-year clinical follow-up study on humans

AIM: The purpose of this clinical follow-up study was to report the clinical outcome of osseointegrated implants placed in extremely atrophied edentulous maxillae after Le Fort I osteotomy and interpositional autogenous iliac bone grafts. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In a 10-year period (1995-2004), 39 patients, 18 males and 21 females, aged from 32 to 76 years, presenting with severely atrophied edentulous maxillae were treated with Le Fort I osteotomy and interpositional iliac bone grafts. Four to 8 months after the reconstructive procedure, 281 osseointegrated implants were placed in the reconstructed maxillae. Four to 8 months afterwards, abutments were connected and the prosthetic rehabilitation started. The mean follow-up period of implants after the start of prosthetic loading was 45.9 months (range: 12-108 months). RESULTS: The reconstructive procedure was successful in 38 of 39 patients. In one patient, partial loss of the inlay graft occurred before implant placement. Six patients (42 implants) dropped out of the study. Fifteen implants were removed during the follow-up period, due to loss of integration. Thirty-two implants, although integrated, presented with peri-implant bone-level changes higher than those proposed for successful implants. Cumulative survival and success rates of implants were 94.5% and 82.9%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Results from this study showed that Le Fort I osteotomy with interpositional bone grafts followed by delayed implant placement is an acceptable means to rehabilitate edentulous patients affected by extremely atrophied edentulous maxillae. Survival rates of implants are consistent with those related to implants placed in native, non-reconstructed bone. Conversely, the success rate of implants resulted to be lower as compared with those obtained for implants placed in native bone.     

AICRG, Part V: Factors influencing implant stability at placement and their influence on survival of Ankylos implants

PROBLEM: Several factors influence primary stabilization of dental implants at placement surgery. These include implant design, bone quality, implant jaw location, and the use of a bone tap. PURPOSE: This report evaluates clinical data gathered by the Ankylos Implant Clinical Research Group (AICRG) to assess (1) the influence of several variables on primary stability and (2) the potential for an Ankylos implant (Friadent GmbH, Mannheim, Germany) that is mobile at placement to integrate and survive for at least 3 years of clinical function. METHODS: The Ankylos implant is a roughened grade-2 titanium screw. A total of 1554 implants were placed in 478 patients. At both the time of placement and abutment connection, the implants were tested for evidence of clinical mobility by attempting to rotate or move the implant with an application of force. Survival was recorded from placement and up to 36 months following placement. RESULTS: At placement, 2.8% were found to be mobile. In the maxillary posterior quadrant, 6.3% were clinically mobile. Implant mobility was frequent (12.2%) in jaw regions with poor-quality bone (BQ-4) or with short implants (8 mm = 8.3% mobile). Of the implants mobile at placement, 97.7% were stable at uncovering. The 3-year postplacement survival of initially mobile implants was 84.1% compared with 96.8% for implants not mobile at placement (chi2 test, P = .001). CONCLUSIONS: The Ankylos implant predictably promoted primary stability during surgical placement. Poor bone quality, short implants, and maxillary posterior jaw locations were all associated with a slightly higher rate of mobility at placement. Primary implant stability, while highly desirable, is not absolutely necessary for achieving osseointegration of Ankylos     

Rehabilitation of patients with reconstructed mandibles using osseointegrated implants: clinical report

Experience with 9 patients who underwent mandibular reconstruction with autogenous free bone grafts and subsequent placement of titanium screw-type implants is reported. The interval between bone grafting and implant placement in these patients ranged from 8 to 34 months. A total of 33 implants was placed, followed up for 16 to 53 months, and achieved an 85% survival rate. Analysis of these patients reveals that the type of bone graft used is integral to successful prosthodontic reconstruction to ensure viability and minimal resorption as well as the timing of implant placement.