[Bone grafts from the chin in the treatment of thin alveolar crests].

Based on clinical experience, the minimum required alveolar ridge width must be of 5-6 mm in patient evaluation for the placement of endosseous dental implants. In comparison with other techniques, the use of autogenous mandibular chin grafts to enlarge thin alveolar ridges seems to be very efficient with a success rate of 88.57%. Advantages are: only one surgical field; minimal resorption after grafting; good predictability; minimum postoperative complications. The surgical technique is described step by step and a longitudinal study in 35 patients shows the high predictability of the method.