Augmentation of deficient lateral alveolar ridge using the subperiosteal tunneling dissection approach.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the use of subperiosteal tunneling (pocket technique) combined with bovine bone graft and resorbable collagen membrane insertion as an alternative surgical approach for augmenting deficient alveolar lateral ridge.

STUDY DESIGN

Seven patients were included in the study. All had lateral alveolar ridge augmentation using the subperiosteal tunneling approach with bovine bone as graft material combined with the insertion of collagen membrane. Alveolar ridge augmentations were performed in the anterior maxilla (3 patients) and in the posterior area of the mandible (4 patients).

RESULTS

Eleven implants ranging in diameter from 3.75 to 4.7 mm were inserted after 4 months of graft maturation. All implants had good primary stability at the time of insertion and were stable at uncovering.

CONCLUSIONS

Alveolar ridge augmentation using the subperiosteal tunneling dissection is a minimally invasive procedure that does not require a secondary site for bone harvesting and should be considered when performing augmentation of deficient lateral alveolar ridge.