Ridge reconstruction with hydroxylapatite: potential and shortcomings.

Residual ridge resorption leading to masticatory difficulties does not only modify eating habits but may also affect the gastrointestinal system. Facing such a serious problem, the dental profession has the responsibility of proposing effective methods that can be applied to most individuals. Over and above socio-economic reasons, ridge reconstruction with hydroxylapatite has other distinct advantages over implants. This material does preserve the residual bone as it is placed over existing structures without any bone loss, and can thus be applied to any atrophy case. It can be molded to create a very retentive ridge form for dentures and to correct abnormal ridge relationships. Finally, it is totally isolated from oral microbiotics. Most of the complications reported can be avoided by proper surgical techniques. The most serious one is occasional resorption of the material itself for which newer osteogenic materials now in the process of being developed might afford a solution.