Horizontal Augmentation with Iliac Bone Grafts in the Treatment of Non-Syndomic Oligodontia

Introduction: Oligodontia is defined by a lack of at least six teeth. Most commonly, this is a concomitant symptom on the grounds of a syndromic disease. The non-syndromic oligodontia is much less common. The aetiology has not been fully clarified yet, however a genetic predisposition may play an important role. Due to the dental agenesis and missing function, there is an enormous alveolar ridge resorption, and the rehabilitation of these patients can evolve into a major task. Methods: A 20-year-old woman with non-syndromic oligodontia is being presented. The examination revealed agenesis of 17 teeth in the maxilla and mandible, and the family history showed that the patient's father and two sisters were on record with similar conditions of oligodontia. As the retained deciduos teeth were affected by generalized root resorption, they had to be extracted. Following a healing time of 12 weeks, bone augmentation with corticocancellous grafts from the iliac crest was conducted under general anaesthesia. After 6 months of healing, dental implant placement of 12 implants was performed, and after another 3 months, the uncovering of the implants and soft tissue management took place. The final restoration was delivered after 4 months of uneventful healing. Since then, a regular recall for maintenance therapy took place. The panoramic radiograph obtained after 7 years revealed good stability of the peri-implant levels, meeting an essential requirement for a long-term functional and aesthetical success. Conclusion: Even large horizontal defect sites in non-syndromic oligodontia patients can be treated with autologous bone harvested from the iliac crest. This approach was successfully utilized in the case presented to restore the horizontal dimension and the vertical height of the buccal bone wall; both factors are keys to aesthetic and functional success. Keywords: Non-Syndromic Oligodontia, bone augmentation, corticocancellous grafts, iliac crest