Localized ridge augmentation with allogenic block grafts prior to implant placement: case reports and histologic evaluations

The placement of dental implants is based on the amount of alveolar bone present in the edentulous site to be reconstructed. Insufficient alveolar contours may require bone grafting procedures to restore an adequate bone volume before implant placement. Larger osseous defects often require block grafts harvested from the symphysis or the ramus buccal shelf region. These provide adequate donor sites to harvest a graft sufficient to restore a significant defect in the osseous structures planned for implant placements. Autogenous block grafts have been well established to reconstruct these types of defects prior to implant placement procedures. However, surgical complications associated with the unfavorable anatomical structures and the necessity of large donor sites (e.g., symphysis and ramus buccal shelf) have led to the use of allogenic grafting materials. Recent developments in allogenic grafting materials have lead to the development of a corticocancellous block graft harvested from the iliac crest region. This study evaluates the clinical indications of these allogenic graft materials to replace compromised alveolar bone defects both horizontal and vertical in nature. The analysis is supported by re-entry procedures and histologic evaluations to substantiate predictability.