Abstract

The centripetal resorption of maxilla is a continuous process after tooth loss. For treatment of deficient bone sites, autologous bone grafts may be used, as an alternative, biomaterials can be applied which do not require intra or extraoral donor sites. The present report describes the use of occlusive barriers and cortical particulate allograft in transverse maxillary defects. This surgical approach was performed in five patients (4 females and 1 male, aged 20 to 37 years). Clinical results show that sufficient hard tissue was formed to allow implant born rehabilitation in the former insufficient bone sites. Histological evaluation revealed small amounts of newly formed bone with a predominance of collagen fibrous tissue and mature bone with very little cellular elements. Depending on the original site situation, the minimally invasive approach with occlusive barrier and cortical particulate allograft may be applied. We observed a mean of 2.3, 2.7 and 2.9 mm in bone gain for ridge, middle and apical area, respectively.