Mandibular ridge augmentation using a mineralized Ilium block: a case letter

Several dental procedures address implant placement in partially or totally edentulate patients. Problems associated with implantation in these patients often arise due to limited bone height or width of the mandible. In such cases, mandibular augmentation is required before implantation can take place. When anatomy dictates, an alternative method of treatment used in ridge augmentation involves a mineralized ilium block, which has demonstrated application in a variety of specialties, including orthopedics, neurosurgery, and craniomaxillofacial procedures. These block allografts have been demonstrated to support missing bone structure and remodel appropriately via normal regenerative pathways.The following case letter involves mandibular augmentation in a 25 year old male. Presenting with partial edentulism in the area of #20 to #28, with #22 and the roots of #25 and #26 remaining, a full thickness dissection, decortication of the buccal aspect of the alveolar ridge, and grafting of the atrophic area was performed using three mineralized human ilium block allografts. At 3 months, three implants were placed. At 10 months, the implanted sites showed good healing and a core was taken for histological analysis.The presented case illustrates a good example of an available treatment option that can be readily performed by an implantologist. Utilizing mineralized human ilium block allografts, this treatment provides a predictable and stable base, even at 3 months, for implant therapy and subsequent dental restoration.