Mandibular coronoid process grafting for alveolar ridge defects.

Area of Science:

• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Dental Implantology
• Regenerative Medicine

Background:

• Moderate defects in the posterior alveolar process of the mandible present challenges for dental implant placement.
• Traditional augmentation methods may involve more invasive procedures and higher risks.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the clinical outcomes of using autogenous coronoid process bone grafts for mandibular augmentation.
• To assess the success of dental implant insertion and long-term stability following this augmentation technique.

Main Methods:

• Fifteen patients with vertical and transverse alveolar defects underwent mandibular rehabilitation using coronoid process bone grafts via minimal-access surgery.
• Forty dental implants were subsequently inserted after a 6-month healing period.
• Clinical results were assessed at implant insertion and up to 24 months post-surgery.

Main Results:

• Mean transverse augmentation of 3.07 mm and vertical augmentation of 2.80 mm were achieved.
• The cumulative implant survival rate was 95% at 24 months.
• Mean marginal bone loss was 1.6 ± 0.18 mm, with no instances of complete graft loss or infection.

Conclusions:

• Autogenous coronoid process bone grafts are a viable option for reconstructing moderate edentulous alveolar ridge defects.
• Minimal-access, tunneled graft insertion minimizes the risk of infection and promotes successful implant integration.
• This technique provides predictable augmentation and stable long-term results for dental implant rehabilitation.