Utilization of mandibular tori for alveolar ridge augmentation and maxillary sinus lifting: a case report

This article reports the utilization of mandibular tori as an alternative source of autogenous bone for ridge augmentation and maxillary sinus lifting to facilitate ideal implant placement. A patient presenting bilateral mandibular tori required replacement of a missing maxillary molar and a mandibular premolar. Both areas showed ridge deficiency that required bone augmentation before implant placement. Mandibular tori were used for horizontal augmentation of the mandibular alveolar ridge and vertical augmentation of the maxillary ridge by elevation of the maxillary sinus. Adequate new bone formation was noted in both areas 6 months after grafting. Bone formed in the grafted areas showed comparable clinical features to those of native bone. Implants were successfully placed and loaded, restoring esthetics and function. Within the limitations of this observation, mandibular tori can be successfully used for ridge augmentation and sinus lifting. However, further controlled studies are needed to determine the overall benefit of this source of autogenous bone.