Local residual ridge augmentation with solid hydroxyapatite blocks: Part II--Correction of local resorption defects in 50 patients.

Replacement of anterior teeth with fixed or removable prostheses is often a compromise, because the resorbed residual ridge in the area of missing teeth cannot be ideally restored functionally and esthetically at the same time. To address this problem, 67 blocks of hydroxyapatite were placed subperiosteally to improve residual ridge resorption defects subsequent to loss of anterior teeth in 50 patients. The implants were evaluated clinically and radiographically for 6 months to 7 years after implantation. Results indicate that the suggested approach improves the esthetic results and the prognosis of fixed prostheses.