The use of autogeneous mandibular bone block grafts for reconstruction of alveolar defects

OBJECTIVE: Purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate outcomes autogenous bone block grafts obtained from mandible for different indications. The healing of the donor and recipient sites in the postoperative period, morbidity and the resorption of the graft were investigated. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty-nine patients grafted with mandibular bone block graft were participated in the present study. Grafting was applied in these patients for three indications; reconstruction of alveolar cleft, lateral crest augmentation before dental implantation and sinus floor augmentation. All operations were performed under local anesthesia and in some cases sedation was used as well. RESULTS: Minimal exposure of the block graft occurred in three alveolar cleft patients. Secondary epithelization was achieved in all cleft patients with no symptoms of infection. In one patient infection was seen in donor site 1-week after the operation. The region was curetted and antibiotics administrated again. Two patients showed an infection of recipient site, after 4 weeks the grafts were removed. In all the patients, as the screw head became apparent until 1 thread, amount of the resorption were considered <1.5 mm. CONCLUSION: The usage of mandibular block grafts is a simple and effective treatment modality for reconstruction of different types of alveolar defects and it also reduces cost of treatment.