Minimally invasive ridge augmentation using xenogenous bone blocks in an atrophied posterior mandible: A clinical and histological study

PURPOSE:: Although various techniques for the treatment of an atrophic alveolar ridge have been described in the literature, these procedures have increased the morbidity and discomfort for the patient. The purpose of this study was to evaluate histological and clinical results in 9 patients who underwent a subperiosteal tunneling procedure with a Bio-Oss block onlay graft in an atrophic area of the mandible. PATIENTS AND METHODS:: Nine months after grafting, at the time of dental implantation, biopsy samples were taken from the grafted areas of 9 patients and were analyzed histologically. RESULTS:: New bone formation through the bovine bone block was observed consistently in the 9 cases. There was direct deposition of bone on the surface of the graft material. CONCLUSION:: The results of this study indicated that ridge augmentation using a subperiosteal tunneling procedure with Bio-Oss bone blocks might be useful for implant placement in the atrophic alveolar ridges.