Lateral Ridge Augmentation with Decalcified Cortical Bone Plate for Implant Site Preparation Resulting from Ridge Resorption

Abstract

Significant resorption of the lateral aspect of the ridge may occur following extraction of the teeth or related to resolution of pathology associated with the failing teeth which can hamper implant placement. Treatment of these lateral ridge deficiencies requires something to contain the graft to be placed as a tenting mechanism to achieve predictable increases in ridge width. Typically titanium mesh or blocks of cortical bone have been used for this purpose which both approaches have some negative issues in their use. This article will discuss the use of a decalcified flexible cortical bone plate that provides tenting for the graft and soft tissue while allowing adaption to the areas curvature and will become part of the new labial aspect of the ridge following graft healing.