Utilizing partially demineralized dentin plate for horizontal ridge augmentation: A case report

This article intends to showcase a case of guided bone regeneration (GBR) utilizing a partially demineralized dentin plate processed from an extracted second molar for horizontal augmentation of the posterior ridge for implant placement.

A 60-year-old patient presented with horizontal ridge deficiency at site #30 and an endodontically treated tooth #31 with recurrent decay. A treatment plan was proposed to extract tooth #31 and utilize a dentin graft from the tooth for ridge augmentation at site #30. Following the atraumatic extraction of tooth #31, it was sectioned into a 1 mm thick dentin plate, sterilized, and processed to obtain a demineralized dentin graft. Following a mid-crestal incision and full-thickness flap elevation, the dentin plate was adapted on the buccal defect of site #30 with 10 mm fixation screws, and the gap between the plate and the buccal bone was filled with 0.5 cc of 50/50 cortico-cancellous bone allograft hydrated with saline, covered with collagen membrane followed by primary closure. At 6 months, a postoperative cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) was obtained to evaluate the ridge width revealing sufficient ridge width for optimal implant placement. The radio-opaque dentin plate was visible on the CBCT depicting integration with the alveolar ridge. Following surgical implant preparation protocol, a 4 mm diameter and 8.5 mm length implant was placed in a restoratively driven position.

This case reports favorable outcomes for GBR using a partially demineralized dentin plate as an alternative to an autogenous bone block graft for horizontal ridge augmentation for future implant placement.

This case introduces a novel method utilizing partially demineralized dentin plates derived from extracted teeth for guided bone regeneration, showcasing its potential efficacy in addressing ridge deficiencies. Success, in this case, relies on meticulous sectioning of the tooth and processing of the dentin graft, precise adaptation and fixation of the graft to the residual ridge, and achieving primary closure for undisturbed healing. Limitations to success include the availability of teeth for extraction coinciding with the need for ridge augmentation and unstable graft fixation.