[Surgical dilemmas. Bone augmentation procedures for single-tooth replacements]

When, following the loss of one or more teeth, insufficient bone is present for the placement of a dental implant, bone augmentation is indicated. For large bone defects (e.g. severely atrophic edentulous jaws and large vertical/horizontal bony defects larger than 3 teeth), an autogenous bone transplant from an extra-oral donor site (iliac crest) will have to be chosen. An autogenous bonegraft is also usually preferred for vertical bone deficiencies, though this can generally be harvested in the oral region. For smaller bone defects, augmentation with autogenous bone from the oral region (mandibular ramus, symphysis region) can be selected or a bone substitute.