Use of a surgical template for autologous bone grafting of alveolar defects

This article describes the fabrication of a surgical template for planning and performing the harvest and placement of autologous bone grafts for the reconstruction of alveolar defects before implant placement. A diagnostic cast is altered to replicate the anticipated bone anatomy. The ideal bony contours for implant placement are then created on the cast to form the template. This template may then be used for treatment-planning donor sites for the harvest of corticocancellous bone grafts. The template is sterilized and used by the surgeon in procuring and placing the bone graft. This template allows communication of the prosthetic requirements of the ridge augmentation, as well as ensuring adequate volume and proper positioning of the block graft for eventual implant placement.