Computed Tomography and Computer-Aided Design for Locating Available Palatal Bone for Grafting: Two Case Reports

Autologous bone graft is considered the gold standard for oral and maxillofacial rehabilitation. The purpose of these case reports is to present the palate as a donor site in the oral and maxillofacial region. A surgical technique of palatal bone grafting with computer-aided design is proposed. Computed tomography and three-dimensional study with a software program (Simplant) were used to evaluate bone quality and quantity at the palatal donor site and also provide a preoperative planning tool for placement of implants. This software was also used to determine the amount of bone needed for the implant site. A palatal marginal incision was made and a full-thickness flap was elevated from the central incisor region to the premolar region. A bone trephine was used to harvest corticocancellous palatal blocks. No swelling or hematomas were found at any donor sites. Simplant software can map the bone within a defined palatal area and provide important information about the quality and quantity of bone in the donor area. Keywords: bone graft, computed tomography, computer-aided design, donor site, palatal graft