Vertical ridge augmentation using the modified shell technique--a case series.

Area of Science:

• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Dental Implantology
• Regenerative Medicine

Background:

• Vertical alveolar defects commonly limit dental implant placement.
• Current vertical augmentation outcomes can be unpredictable, necessitating improved techniques.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a predictable technique for vertical alveolar ridge augmentation.
• To assess the efficacy of using thin autogenous bone shells for vertical bone regeneration.

Main Methods:

• Autogenous bone grafts were trimmed into thin shells (<1mm) to reconstruct the alveolar ridge.
• Shells were secured with microscrews, and the gap filled with particulate autogenous bone.
• Vertical dimensions were measured pre- and post-augmentation; implant success was monitored.

Main Results:

• 18 alveolar ridge augmentations were performed in 17 patients with a mean vertical defect of 4.7 mm.
• Mean bone resorption was 0.5 mm during the consolidation period.
• All 30 planned implants were successfully placed and remained stable during the first year of loading.

Conclusions:

• This technique using thin autogenous bone shells provides predictable vertical augmentation of the alveolar ridge.
• The method shows promising results and may serve as an alternative to procedures requiring extraoral bone grafts.
• Successful implant integration and long-term stability were observed, highlighting the technique's clinical viability.