Alveolar Sandwich Osteotomy Technique for Vertical Ridge Augmentation

Area of Science:

• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Regenerative Medicine
• Dental Implantology

Background:

• Alveolar sandwich osteotomy is a surgical technique for bone grafting.
• It involves placing a graft between two vascularized bone segments.
• This technique aims for rapid graft incorporation and bone regeneration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the sandwich osteotomy technique for vertical ridge augmentation.
• To assess bone gain, segment vitality, and complication rates.
• To determine the predictability of this method for implant placement.

Main Methods:

• A prospective study involving 20 partially edentulous patients.
• Vertical bone augmentation using piezo-surgery and xenograft block.
• Computed tomography (CBCT/OPG) used for measurements pre- and post-operatively.

Main Results:

• Mean vertical bone height gain of 4.46 mm, stable at 4.08 mm after six months.
• Minimal bone resorption (0.5 mm) observed over six months.
• Bone segments remained vital, with two cases of minor wound dehiscence that healed quickly.

Conclusions:

• The sandwich osteotomy technique with xenograft is a predictable method for vertical bone augmentation.
• It achieves significant and stable bone height gain.
• The technique demonstrates a favorable outcome for patients requiring dental implants.