Vertical 3D Bone Reconstruction with Simultaneous Implantation: A Case Series Report

Tooth loss generally leads to a corresponding loss of supporting bone structures, jeopardizing correct implant placement. Bone augmentation procedures facilitate reconstruction of the alveolar contours but lengthen treatment time by about 4 to 9 months. The aim of this case series report is to describe the short-term results of the combination of three-dimensional bone augmentation using the shell technique in conjunction with simultaneous implantation. A total of 10 patients who underwent autologous bone augmentation using the shell technique with simultaneous implantation were retrospectively examined. The shell technique is an augmentation procedure using thin cortical bone plates adapted to the buccal and oral walls of the defect to rebuild the contours of the alveolar ridge. The remaining spaces are filled with bone chips. Healing time before second stage surgery was 4 months. The vertical bone defect at the beginning (VD), the height of the vertical bone graft, resorption at the time of second-stage surgery (BR1) and 1 year after prosthetic rehabilitation (BR2), the total resorption between augmentation and 1 year (BRtot), and the vertical bone loss of the implant (VBL) were measured. VD was 3.1 mm. Values for BR1 and BR2 were 0.4 and 0.45 mm, respectively, resulting in a total bone loss of 0.85 mm of bone loss (BRtot). VBL was 0.45 mm 1 year after prosthetic rehabilitation. The simultaneous approach of vertical bone augmentation in the shell technique and implantation shows excellent results in bone reconstruction and stability up to 1 year after prosthetic reconstruction and can shorten treatment time by 4 to 9 months.