Purpose: The purpose of this study was to confirm the efficiency of using a lateral ramus block graft taken at the time of impacted mandibular third molar removal for horizontal ridge augmentation and implant placement.
Patients and methods: Ten patients had grafts obtained from the lateral aspect of the mandible during impacted third molar removal and placed in areas of horizontal ridge deficiency.
Results: Measurements made on cone-beam computerized tomograms after 4 months showed gains of 2.7 to 3.5 mm and 16 implants were placed successfully.
Conclusions: In patients with impacted third molars requiring dental implants, simultaneous harvest of a lateral block bone graft is an efficient way of obtaining bone for horizontal ridge augmentation.
Copyright © 2016 American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.