Augmentation of deficient lateral alveolar ridge using the subperiosteal tunneling dissection approach

ObjectiveTo evaluate the use of subperiosteal tunneling (pocket technique) combined with bovine bone graft and resorbable collagen membrane insertion as an alternative surgical approach for augmenting deficient alveolar lateral ridge.Study designSeven patients were included in the study. All had lateral alveolar ridge augmentation using the subperiosteal tunneling approach with bovine bone as graft material combined with the insertion of collagen membrane. Alveolar ridge augmentations were performed in the anterior maxilla (3 patients) and in the posterior area of the mandible (4 patients).ResultsEleven implants ranging in diameter from 3.75 to 4.7 mm were inserted after 4 months of graft maturation. All implants had good primary stability at the time of insertion and were stable at uncovering.ConclusionsAlveolar ridge augmentation using the subperiosteal tunneling dissection is a minimally invasive procedure that does not require a secondary site for bone harvesting and should be considered when performing augmentation of deficient lateral alveolar ridge.