Bone modifying techniques in the anterior maxilla prior to implant placement : a literature review

Abstract

Abstract: Objective: The aim was to describe the different bone enhancing techniques for improving the alveolar bone and gingival characteristics prior to implant placement Material and methods: A MEDLINE and PubMed English language peer-reviewed literature search was conducted. Hand searches of the reference lists in some selected articles were also conducted. The literature search was sorted into five different topics; autogenous bone graft, guided tissue regeneration, orthodontic extrusion, and distraction osteogenesis. Results: Forty-seven articles were considered for the review. All, except one, of the selected articles were case reports or case series describing the bone-modifying techniques. Significant improvements in alveolar bone were reported in all cases, resulting in satisfying implant sites. Conclusions: For all five techniques presented there is a need for more research and more precise procedure protocols.

Key words: Implant site development, anterior maxilla, autogenous bone graft, guided tissue regeneration, decoronation, orthodontic extrusion, distraction osteogenesis