Small-segment symphysis graft: augmentation of the maxillary anterior ridge

The loss of a tooth results in loss of alveolar bone, required for the placement and retention of implants. Bone can be replaced by various augmentation modalities, including a small-segment symphysis graft. The selection of the donor site, the preparation of the recipient and donor sites, the procedures of graft placement, and the closure of the donor site are presented and described. The corticotrabecular graft is obtained with a trephine drill from the mandibular symphysis and grafted to a recipient site that has been prepared with ridge-expanding osteotomes. The graft is then mortised with a combination of an alloplast, freeze-dried demineralized bone, and autogenous bone harvested from the symphysis donor site. The learning objective of this article is to describe the procedures of a small-segment symphysis graft, using a clinical case to illustrate the text. After graft healing and lost bone regeneration, implants can be placed.