The potential of the horizontal ramus of the mandible as a donor site for block and particular grafts in pre-implant surgery

The results on 32 consecutive patients, who underwent bone grafting prior to implant surgery, are presented. The grafts were taken from the horizontal part of the mandible, including the full height of the buccal cortico-cancellous plate and were used to reconstruct alveolar defects or to augment sinus floors. 3–5 months postoperatively, 99 implants were inserted in 43 onlay grafts and in 17 sinus floor augmentations. The follow-up ranged from 2–6 years post implant insertion. Parameters examined included: healing of donor site and bone grafts, implant survival, peri-implant condition, donor site morbidity and patient satisfaction. This study indicates that with one full height ramus graft, alveolar defects comprising a bicuspid–molar area, can be augmented. The grafted volume is also sufficient to augment one sinus floor. The implant survival rate (99%) compares well with studies using iliac crest or skull bone. Postoperative complaints were minimal, resulting in extremely high patient satisfaction (97%).