Guided and Prosthetically Driven Bone Augmentation Using the Shell Technique and Allogeneic Cortical Plate: A...

Area of Science:

• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Dental Implantology
• Biomaterials Engineering

Background:

• Bone augmentation is crucial for successful dental implant placement.
• Traditional techniques can be complex and may lack precision.
• Allogenic cortical plates offer a viable bone graft substitute.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a novel digital workflow for guided bone augmentation.
• To evaluate the use of a CAD/CAM-milled surgical template for precise allogenic plate positioning.
• To assess the efficacy of the shell technique with allogenic cortical plates for horizontal bone augmentation.

Main Methods:

• Ten patients requiring bone augmentation underwent the procedure.
• Allogenic cortical plates were digitally planned and shaped using CAD/CAM.
• A custom surgical template was manufactured for precise graft placement.

Main Results:

• Twelve horizontal bone grafting procedures were successfully completed.
• The technique facilitated ideal three-dimensional implant positioning.
• Three out of twelve procedures required minor plate repositioning.

Conclusions:

• Digital technology enables predictable and accurate guided bone grafting.
• The shell technique with allogenic plates and surgical templates simplifies the procedure.
• Further research with larger patient cohorts is warranted to validate the findings.