Reconstruction of the moderately atrophic edentulous maxilla with mandibular bone grafts.

BACKGROUND

Mandibular bone grafts are used for alveolar reconstruction in partially edentulous patients. Few reports describe the use of mandibular bone for total maxillary reconstruction.

AIM: To describe indications to the use of extensive mandibular bone grafts for maxillary reconstructions in edentulous patients.

METHODS

A retrospective evaluation of a group of patients with edentulous resorbed maxillae reconstructed with mandibular bone grafts in preparation for implant placement was performed. The studied cohort consisted of 15 patients who were treated with mandibular onlay blocks and sinus augmentation with mandibular bone in an outpatient setting under local anesthesia (MG). This approach was chosen when residual bone height in the anterior maxilla was at least 8 mm combined with posterior vertical deficiency and anterior horizontal defects. Success and survival rates of the implants and prostheses together with the achievement of the planned prosthetic plan were recorded. Patients also performed an evaluation of the outcome with the aid of Visual Analog Scales. Mean follow-up time was 19 months after prosthesis delivery.

RESULTS

No major surgical complications occurred at recipient or donor sites. A total of 81 implants were inserted, and survival and success rates were 97.6% and 93%, respectively. Planned prostheses could be delivered to all patients (eight overdentures and seven fixed dental prostheses).

CONCLUSIONS

With the limitations of the present clinical study, it can be stated that edentulous maxillae with a moderate atrophy may be successfully augmented with mandibular bone grafts in an outpatient setting under local anesthesia and e.v. sedation. This is the case when posterior maxillary deficiency is combined with horizontal defects, but with a residual height of 8 mm or more in the anterior maxilla. When the residual anterior bone height is less than 8 mm, or when the inter-arch discrepancy needs to be corrected with an osteotomy, extraoral bone harvesting needs to be considered.