Anterior maxillary osteoplasty to broaden the narrow maxillary ridge

The application of endosseous implants has extended the range of options and effectiveness of reconstructive preprosthetic surgery. Placement of endosseous implants in the edentulous maxilla is often restricted due to lack of available bone. Exposure of the underlying anterior maxillary bone frequently reveals a ridge form which is adequate in height but too narrow to accommodate endosseous implants. A horseshoe type osteotomy extending from the ridge crest into the floor of nose has been developed which allows advancement of the outer cortex to restore lost facial form and placement of an interpositional bone graft and endosseous implants to restore lost function.