Localized Vertical Maxillary Ridge Preservation Using Bone Cores and a Rotated Palatal Flap

The aim of vertical augmentation of the alveolar ridge is to restore resorbed alveolar ridges. This techniqueis critical to the placement of dental implants in a favorable position and the enhancement ofrestoration esthetics. The present report describes a technique for surgical preservation of the anteriormaxillary process using maxillary bone from the surgical site and raising a soft tissue rotated palatalflap. Maxillary lateral incisor extraction and periapical surgery of the central incisors were first carried out. Two bone cores were harvested from the neighboring buccal vestibular region and placed in thesockets of the lateral maxillary incisors. After 3 months, implants were placed; 12 weeks later, theprosthetic restorations were cemented. There were no complications after 2 years of follow-up. Thistechnique constitutes a viable approach for preserving the anterior sector alveolar ridge with the posteriorplacement of dental implants.