Dental implants placed in severely atrophic jaws reconstructed with autogenous calvarium, bovine bone mineral, and collagen membranes: A 3-to 19-year retrospective follow-up study

ObjectivesTo present the clinical, radiographic, and patient-related outcomes of patients presenting with severely resorbed ridges reconstructed with autogenous calvarial bone blocks and rehabilitated with implant-supported prostheses. Material and methodsFrom 1998 to 2014, 72 patients presenting with severe bone defects were reconstructed with autogenous calvarial bone blocks covered with bovine bone mineral granules and collagen membranes. Four to 9months later, 330 implants were placed and loaded 3-9months later. The follow-up ranged from 3 to 19years (mean: 8.1years). The following parameters were recorded: (a) complication rate of the reconstructive procedure; (b) bone resorption before implant placement; (c) implant survival rate and implant-related complications; (d) peri-implant bone resorption; and (e) patient's satisfaction inquired with a dedicated questionnaire. ResultsNo patients developed severe complications, such as complete loss or resorption of the grafts. A dehiscence occurred in six patients, which developed a mild graft resorption. The mean peri-implant bone resorption before implant placement was 0.13mm (SD0.71). All patients received the planned number of implants. Three patients were lost during the follow-up. The survival rate of implants at the end of the observation period was 98.5%. The mean peri-implant bone resorption ranged from 0.00 to 4.87mm (mean: 1.11mm). At last, 90% of the patients were very satisfied as regards the treatment received. ConclusionsResults from this study suggested that: (a) bone volume in the areas reconstructed with calvarial grafts was stable over time; (b) survival rates of implants were consistent with those reported for implants placed in native bone; (c) patient's satisfaction was high.