131-134 Penarrocha

The aim of vertical augmentation of the alveolar ridge is to restore resorbed alveolar ridges. This technique is critical to the placement of dental implants in a favorable position and the enhancement of restoration esthetics. The present report describes a technique for surgical preservation of the anterior maxillary process using maxillary bone from the surgical site and raising a soft tissue rotated palatal flap. Maxillary lateral incisor extraction and periapical surgery of the central incisors were first carried out. Two bone cores were harvested from the neighboring buccal vestibular region and placed in the sockets of the lateral maxillary incisors. After 3 months, implants were placed; 12 weeks later, the prosthetic restorations were cemented. There were no complications after 2 years of follow-up. This technique constitutes a viable approach for preserving the anterior sector alveolar ridge with the posterior placement of dental implants. INT J ORAL MAXILLOFAC IMPLANTS 2005;20:131–134