Purpose: In case of atrophic posterior mandibles, the inlay
bone graft technique showed remarkable results in terms of
vertical bone augmentation and the use of an allograft block
seems to be able to accelerate graft integration and therefore
implant rehabilitation. The aim of the present study was a
clinical and histological evaluation of allograft bone blocks in
the inlay augmentation procedure.
Methods and materials: Four consecutive patients showing
atrophic posterior mandibles were referred to the Periodontology & Implantology Department of the Dental School of University of Bologna (Bologna, Italy), for oral rehabilitation through implant placement. A vertical bone incrementation was performed through an inlay technique with allograft block covered by allograft dermis membrane. After 2–3 months of healing, four bone cores from the augmented sites were retrieved during implant site preparation.
Results: No postoperative complications occurred. The histological analysis showed presence of compact bone revealing areas of demarcation between grafted bone, newly formed bone and regenerated areas.
Conclusion: When treating severe atrophy of the posterior
mandible, the use of cancellous bone can be considered
a suitable material for bone regeneration in inlay grafting
procedures in atrophic posterior mandibles. According to the
preliminary results, this material represent a good clinical
alternative to autologous and inorganic bovine bone.
