Ridge augmentation using mandibular block bone grafts: preliminary results of an ongoing prospective study

The aim of the current ongoing study is to evaluate the long-term results of endosseous implants placed into autogenous bone grafts from intraoral donor sites. Patient selection for the correction of bone deficiencies was based on biomechanical and esthetic needs. Donor site selection was dependent upon the type of deficiency and the graft shape needed. Two-stage implants were placed after a healing period of 3 to 6 months, based on an assessment of the graft viability with radiographic and clinical parameters. Thus far, 118 implants have been placed in 60 patients whose alveolar ridges were deficient in height, width, or both height and width and were augmented. The patients were observed for up to 77 months. Two implant failures were encountered before implant exposure (1.7%). No further implants have been lost in function.