Tomographic evaluation of iliac crest bone grafting and the use of immediate temporary implants to the atrophic maxilla

Sixteen consecutive patients with atrophic maxillae, who had been referred for bone augmentation using iliac bone grafting before the placement of dental implants, received a full clinical examination and underwent a CT scan before and after surgery. Linear vertical and horizontal measurements were made before and 6 months after surgery. Differences in mean bone gain or loss for each area were compared between a group that received an immediate total provisional prosthesis on temporary immediate implants (test group, 12 patients) and a control group (four patients). Both groups showed significant horizontal bone gain in all regions and vertical bone augmentation in the posterior regions. The test group showed no significant difference for bone gain compared to the control group, but half the test group had problems during treatment. Bone augmentation of the atrophic maxilla with iliac crest bone grafting resulted in sufficient vertical and horizontal bone augmentation to install six or eight implants in all patients and successfully rehabilitate them. The results suggest that the use of total provisional prostheses on temporary immediate implants meets the aesthetic demands required, but should be used with care and in special cases.