A technique for controlled placement of hydroxylapatite over atrophic mandibular ridges

When hydroxylapatite is injected into a subperiosteal tunnel without placing buccolingual sutures, there is occasionally noticeable drifting of the material outside the desired area, and the labial vestibule may be diminished. By placing horizontal mattress sutures, the hydroxylapatite is controlled and ridge contour is improved. There appears to be no added morbidity from placement of the buccolingual sutures. However, because only a small number of cases have been treated with this procedure, this report should be viewed as preliminary in nature.