[Severe atrophy of the alveolar ridge in edentulous patients. Combined treatment using bone grafts and screw implants].

In cases of advanced alveolar ridge atrophy, when the bone available for endosseous implants is not sufficient, endosseous implants are combined with augmentation of the alveolar ridge by means of autologous bone transplants. Depending on the type of atrophy found, the authors use three different surgical procedures: onlay technique, sandwich technique and alveolar extension technique. In all cases functional loading of the implants was performed by way of an entirely implant-supported bridgework. Results to date indicate that initial postoperative resorption is followed by a virtual standstill once the implants have been loaded.