Reconstruction of Mandibular Alveolar Ridge Defects for Implant Placement: Critical Review

Background: Dental rehabilitation of partially or totally edentulous patients with oral implants has become a routine treatment modality in the last decades, with reliable long-term results. However, unfavorable local conditions of the alveolar ridge, due to atrophy, periodontal disease, and trauma sequelae may provide insufficient bone volume or unfavorable vertical, horizontal, and sagittal intermaxillary relationships, which may render implant placement impossible or incorrect from a functional and esthetic viewpoint. The aim of the current review is to discuss the different strategies for reconstruction of the alveolar ridge defect for implant placement. Study design: The study design includes a literature review of the articles that address the association between Reconstruction of Mandibular Alveolar Ridge Defects and Implant Placement. Results: Yet, despite an increasing number of publications related to the correction of deficient alveolar ridges, much controversy still exists concerning which is the more suitable and reliable technique. This is often because the publications are of insufficient methodological quality (inadequate sample size, lack of well-defined exclusion and inclusion criteria, insufficient follow-up, lack of well-defined success criteria, etc.). Conclusion: On the basis of available data it is difficult to conclude that a particular surgical procedure offered better outcome as compared to another. Hence the practical use of the available bone augmentation procedures for dental implants depends on the clinician's preference in general and the clinical findings in the patient in particular. Surgical techniques that reduce trauma, preserve and augment the alveolar ridge represent key areas in the goal to optimize implant results.