Alveolar augmentation using bone blocks/bone substitutes

Alveolar augmentation using bone blocks/bone substitutes

Alveolar augmentation using a bone block is a surgical procedure where a piece of bone is taken from a donor site in the jaw, and placed in a recipient site.

Alveolar augmentation using a bone block is a surgical procedure where a bone block is taken from a donor site in the jaw (corner of lower jaw, chin, upper jaw tuberosity), and placed in a recipient site using bone chips and bone screws and/or other measures of securing. Usually implants may be placed only 6 to 9 months after bone augmentation using bone blocks. This time is necessary for the placed bone substitute to heal, i.e., for blood vessels to grow into it and change it to regular bone.

Alveolar augmentation using a bone substitute is a surgical procedure to restore the contour of a narrow or low alveolar ridge using bone substitutes to allow implant placement. Autogenous (your own) bone or allogeneic (derived from humans), xenogeneic (derived from animals) or synthetic bone substitutes, membranes and other materials may be used for alveolar augmentation, as well as custom-made machined or 3D-printed scaffolds. Usually implants may be placed only 3 to 9 months after bone augmentation using bone substitutes. This time is necessary for the placed bone substitute to heal, i.e., for blood vessels to grow into it and change it to regular bone. If the situation is favorable, implant placement may be performed at the same visit as alveolar augmentation.

During the consultation, your alveolar ridge height and width will be evaluated, you will be informed about the alveolar augmentation using bone blocks (the steps of the procedure, possible changes, types of bone substitutes), anesthesia (local, intravenous, general), preparation for the procedure, its complications and risks.

Sinus lift

During the maxillary sinus lift surgery, sinus mucosa is lifted, then protected using a special membrane, and the sinus floor is filled using bone substitute. This way, the alveolar ridge height is increased to allow for implant placement to restore lost upper molars and premolars. Usually implants may be placed only 4 to 9 months after sinus lift surgery. This time is necessary for the placed bone substitute to heal, i.e., for blood vessels to grow into it and change it to regular bone. In some cases implants may be placed during the same visit.

Newly gained bone shown in white, natural bone in yellow
Preparation for the surgery:

A panoramic X-ray and/or volumetric computed tomography is done before the procedure to evaluate the alveolar ridge form, anatomical structures and the donor sites.