The use of fresh frozen allogeneic bone for maxillary and mandibular reconstruction

The use of fresh frozen bone (FFB) alone, or in combination with autogenous bone (AB), for bony augmentation of the maxilla and mandible in preparation for dental reconstruction with endosseous implants has been studied. Ten patients received FFB +/- AB for augmentation of a severely atrophic mandible (n = 6) or for reconstruction of a jaw defect secondary to trauma or tumor resection (n = 4). Average follow-up was 26.3 +/- 5.4 months. At the time of implant placement, the bone grafts were found to be firm in consistency, well incorporated, and well vascularized in all 10 patients. Twenty-nine endosseous implants were placed an average of 8.3 +/- 3.1 months following bone grafting. One implant failed and was replaced, and one implant remains buried as a nonfunctional unit. All patients have been restored prosthetically by means of 28 of the 29 implants. This preliminary study indicates that FFB may be used alone or in combination with autogenous bone for augmentation or reconstruction of the atrophic maxilla and mandible. The resultant ridge is adequate to support loaded endosseous implants. A potential disadvantage is the minimal risk of disease transmission.