Osseous proliferation of the mandible after placement of endosseous implants

Spontaneous alveolar ridge growth in the posterior region of the mandible following placement of endosseous implants is reported. The study included 27 patients with totally edentulous mandibles and fixed prostheses supported by osseointegrated implants placed between the mental foramina. In 5 patients, an increase in the height of the alveolar crest was observed in the molar region; the increase ranged from 3.3% to 8.6%. This osseous proliferation may be a physiologic response to stress distribution in the molar region.