Onlay bone augmentation and bilateral open sinus lifting with simultaneous implant placement in a cherubic patient. J Craniofac Surg. 2014;25:e193-e196. [PMID: 24621770 DOI: 10.1097/SCS.0000000000000433]

Tuberosity-alveolar block as a donor site for localised augmentation of the maxilla: a retrospective clinical study

Bone from the maxillary tuberosity has been harvested in particulate form to use for augmentation for several years, but block grafts have not been extensively used. A considerable advantage of a particulate bone graft from the maxillary tuberosity over those from other intraoral donor sites is the relative simplicity of harvesting and minimal complications. We have retrospectively assessed the efficacy of tuberosity-alveolar block bone (posterior maxillary alveolar ridge) in the augmentation of adjacent defects in the maxilla using data from 14 patients (10 men and four women, mean (range) age 55 (38-69) years) who had had 20 bony augmentations with block bone from the alveolar tuberosity during 2014. Patients were divided into three groups according to the technique by which the bone was collected. The first group had a graft from the alveolar tuberosity covered with titanium mesh (titanium mesh group); the second group had the block bone covered by platelet rich fibrin and collagen membrane (platelet rich fibrin group), and in the third group the graft was covered only with periosteum (periosteum group). The primary width of the bone was recorded at the time of placement of the graft and changes were evaluated 4-6 months later when the implant was inserted. The changes in the width of the bone were 4.1, 3.3, and 2.5 in the platelet rich fibrin, titanium mesh, and periosteum groups, respectively. The difference in bony change among groups was not significant except between the platelet rich fibrin and and periosteum groups (p=0.005). Tuberosity-alveolar block bone graft may be a good source of bone for augmentation of deficient ridges, and more favourable results can be expected by the addition of resorbable membranes and growth factors.

The effect of a platelet-rich fibrin conduit on neurosensory recovery following inferior alveolar nerve lateralization: a preliminary clinical study

This retrospective study aimed to assess the recovery of neurosensory dysfunction following modified inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) lateralization surgery compared to the conventional approach. Data from two groups of patients who underwent IAN lateralization in 2014 were included in this study. In one group, platelet-rich fibrin was placed over the IAN and this was protected with a collagen membrane conduit; the other group underwent the conventional IAN lateralization procedure. Implants were placed immediately. Neurosensory dysfunction was evaluated at 3, 6, and 12 months post-surgery. Demographic, neurosensory disturbance (NSD), subjective two-point discrimination test (TPD), and static light touch test (SLT) data were obtained. Twenty-three IAN lateralization procedures with the placement of 51 implants were performed in 14 patients. At the 6-month follow-up, the number of patients experiencing normal sensation was greater in the modified surgery group, but the 12-month follow-up results were the same in the two groups. More precise sensation was observed with the TPD in the modified group at 6 months, and the modified group demonstrated better SLT scores at 6 months. Although the two groups had comparable results at the 12-month follow-up, it was observed that the modified technique accelerated neural healing within 6 months and reduced the length of the discomfort period.

Evaluation of anatomical considerations in the posterior maxillae for sinus augmentation

The edentulous posterior maxilla is considered a clinical challenge during dental implant treatment for many dental practitioners. This is because its insufficient bone quality, deficient alveolar ridge, spiny ridges, undercuts, and sinus pneumatization are often encountered after tooth loss. To overcome these problems, several approaches have been developed and are currently used, including sinus augmentation and bone augmentation. Today, two main procedures of sinus floor elevation for dental implant placement are in use: a two-stage technique using the lateral window approach, and a one-stage technique using a lateral or a crestal approach. In this study, we deal with the anatomic relations of the structures of the maxillary sinus during sinus augmentation. These anatomical findings can help in complications and potential injuries of the maxillary sinus procedures. It can be suggested that pre-operative evaluation is helpful for diagnosis and treatment planning and minimizing complication during the surgery.

Evaluation of anatomical considerations in the posterior maxillae for sinus augmentation

The edentulous posterior maxilla is considered a clinical challenge during dental implant treatment for many dental practitioners. This is because its insufficient bone quality, deficient alveolar ridge, spiny ridges, undercuts, and sinus pneumatization are often encountered after tooth loss. To overcome these problems, several approaches have been developed and are currently used, including sinus augmentation and bone augmentation. Today, two main procedures of sinus floor elevation for dental implant placement are in use: a two-stage technique using the lateral window approach, and a one-stage technique using a lateral or a crestal approach. In this study, we deal with the anatomic relations of the structures of the maxillary sinus during sinus augmentation. These anatomical findings can help in complications and potential injuries of the maxillary sinus procedures. It can be suggested that pre-operative evaluation is helpful for diagnosis and treatment planning and minimizing complication during the surgery.