EXTRAORAL PLACEMENT OF A SUBPERIOSTEAL TISSUE EXPANDER FOR RECONSTRUCTION WITH HYDROXYLAPATITE OF THE SEVERELY ATROPHIC MANDIBULAR ALVEOLAR RIDGE

A technique is described using a subperiosteal tissue expander and particulate hydroxylapatite for reconstruction of the class IV edentulous mandibular alveolar ridge. The expander is placed under direct visualization via an extraoral approach so that it can be precisely positioned with relation to the inferior alveolar nerve. A fibrous capsule, having ideal ridge structure forms around the expander, and hydroxylapatite can be injected into this capsule from the intraoral route. The rationale for this technique and its advantages are discussed. It has been used in 17 patients with excellent results. © 1990, American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. All rights reserved.. All rights reserved.