The influence of systemic bone disease on bone resorption following mandibular augmentation

Reports of mandibular osseous augmentation that include individual results consistently reveal a wide range in resorption rates. The alveolar ridges may be sensitive indicators of changes in bone metabolism. Fourteen candidates for mandibular augmentation were examined for systemic bone disease (SBD) by history, serum biochemical analyses, and photon absorption densitometry of the radial midshaft. Four patients had decreased densitometry values. Transileal bone biopsies performed on these four all revealed SBD. In thirteen of the fourteen patients augmentation was performed by one of the five techniques described. One patient with SBD was not treated. Postoperative resorption results are not statistically significant, but the following clinical observations can be made: Two patients (Cases 3 and 10) with SBD that was not arrested had excessive resorption. One patient (Case 5) who had SBD successfully arrested preoperatively showed less than average resorption. One patient (Case 4) had no SBD but had great resorption. Therefore, unarrested SBD may contribute to increased postoperative resorption, but other unknown factors also contribute to excessive postoperative resorption.