Modified 3-Dimensional Alveolar Ridge Augmentation in the Anterior Maxilla: A Prospective Clinical Feasibility Study

Abstract

Vertical and horizontal reconstruction of the alveolar ridge, especially in the anterior maxilla, is considered a clinical challenge for dentists. There is still a lack of a standard technique to address the hurdles in 3-dimensional bone regeneration in the anterior maxilla. In this clinical feasibility study, we aimed to modify Khoury’s technique by combining the conventional guided bone regeneration standards with the principles of this technique. The autogenous bone blocks were harvested from the retromolar area and grafted into the deficient anterior maxillae by mini-screws, and the gap was filled with xenogenic bone particles. The grafted site was covered with multilayered resorbable collagen membranes. Cone-beam computerized tomographic scans were obtained at the 6-month follow-ups, and the changes in ridge width and height were measured. Five subjects with multiple missing teeth at the anterior maxilla were included. The radiographic outcomes of the 6-month follow-ups revealed 1.2 mm of height and 3.5 mm of width gain. Between the 4- and 6-month visits, approximately 2 mm resorption in height and 0.3 mm in width occurred. No complications occurred. The proposed modification for Khoury’s technique can serve as a feasible method in the 3-dimensional reconstruction of the anterior maxilla without additional autogenous bone particles.