Use of durapatite for the rehabilitation of resorbed alveolar ridges.

These investigations were undertaken to evaluate durapatite, a particulate, ceramic, nonresorbable bone-grafting material for augmentation of deficient alveolar ridges. A total of 207 augmentations were reported among 198 patients over 24 months. Subjective and objective data showed that durapatite alone was successful for all classes of ridges augmented; height, bulk, contour, and ridge form generally improved and soft tissue overlying the augmented ridges was firm and immobile. Impressions for dentures usually began 4 to 6 weeks after surgery and these dentures remained stable, retentive, and esthetically pleasing throughout the study. Other than transiently altered sensations resulting from mental nerve manipulation during surgery, no other important procedural complications were noted. No infection or bone resorption beneath the implant was observed throughout these studies. Durapatite used in an outpatient setting provides a less costly and more permanent method for alveolar ridge augmentation than do augmentation procedures using autogenous or banked bone.