RECONSTRUCTION OF THE SEVERELY RESORBED MANDIBLE PRIOR TO VESTIBULOPLASTY OR PLACEMENT OF ENDOSSEOUS IMPLANTS - A 2 TO 5 YEAR FOLLOW-UP

Ninety-two patients underwent augmentation of the severely resorbed mandible using corticocancellous bone grafts in the symphysis and a mixture of autogenous cancellous bone chips and hydroxylapatite particles in the posterior area. This study, extending from 2 to 5 years, shows that predictable and stable results were achieved. The average loss of height measured at 3 reference points was approximately 20%. Slight sensory disturbance was present in 19 patients (23%). Benefits derived from augmentation of the atrophic mandible include: improvement of facial form due to the renewed support of the collapsed circumoral muscles, a decrease in the intermaxillary distance, and restoration of mandibular bone bulk that will accommodate endosseous implants of maximum size.