Mandibular cortical bone graft part 2: surgical technique, applications, and morbidity.

The mandibular cortical grafts, including the ramus graft, are reliable donor sites for the reconstruction of the alveolar ridge deformities before dental implant placement. The highest concentrations of promoter proteins (e.g., bone morphogenetic proteins) are found in the mandibular cortical grafts. Part 1 of this article (April issue) reviewed the anatomical considerations of mandibular cortical grafts, the associated healing process, and the factors influencing graft incorporation. This article describes mandibular ramus graft before implant placement including the surgical technique, applications, and morbidity