Vertical bone augmentation: where are we now?

As the prevalence of implants has increased, so has the challenge to augment the remaining osseous structure to house those implants. The biggest surgical challenge clinically is to augment lost bone vertically. The purpose of this article is to review currently available techniques for achieving greater vertical dimension before implant placement. A literature search was conducted using MEDLINE to find all articles published between 1970 and 2004 regarding vertical bone augmentation. Following the literature search, all articles were reviewed and summarized in this review article of vertical bone augmentation. The results of the research showed that guided-bone regeneration, monocortical onlay grafting, and distraction osteogenesis have the potential to be applied to augment deficient areas vertically. The expectations of dimensional gain and bone quality are unique to each technique, as well as the potential complications. Distraction osteogenesis has had the greatest potential for vertical gain, while guided-bone regeneration and monocortical onlay grafting achieve similar results. The choice of procedure is to be based upon the patient's existing anatomy, degree of vertical deficiency, and willingness to participate in treatment.