Morbidity of harvesting of retromolar bone grafts: a prospective study
- 1 October 2002
- journal article
- research article
- Published by Wiley in Clinical Oral Implants Research
- Vol. 13 (5), 514-521
- https://doi.org/10.1034/j.1600-0501.2002.130511.x
Abstract
20 retromolar bone grafts were harvested in outpatients for augmentation of the implant site from January to June 2000 (10 female, 10 male, 40.9 ± 12.8 years, minimum 17 years, maximum 66 years). The aim of the study was to assess typical complications of this procedure in a prospective manner. For the determination of the superficial sensory function of the inferior alveolar and the lingual nerve, an objective method was used. The bone grafts were harvested for single tooth reconstruction. In 14 cases a ridge augmentation and in 6 cases an endoscopically controlled crestal sinus floor elevation was performed. Preoperatively, the height of bone above the cranial aspect of the inferior alveolar nerve in the retromolar region was assessed radiologically with known markers. The maximum mouth opening was determined. The superficial sensory function of the inferior alveolar and the lingual nerve was assessed with the Pointed‐Blunt Test, the Two‐Point‐Discrimination Test and the objective method of the ‘Pain and Thermal Sensitivity’ Test (PATH Test). Moreover, the pulp sensitivity of the teeth of the donor site was determined by cold vitality testing. All tests were repeated 1 week postoperatively. Intraoperatively, the width of the retromolar region was measured with a caliper. The patients rated the operative strain on a visual analogue scale. The height of bone above the inferior alveolar nerve in the retromolar region was 11.0 ± 2.2 mm. The width of the retromolar area was 14.2 ± 1.9 mm. Postoperatively, the maximal mouth opening changed significantly (40.8 ± 3.5 mm preoperatively, 38.9 ± 3.7 mm postoperatively, P = 0.006). However, the reduction was not relevant clinically. A direct injury of the inferior alveolar or lingual nerve did not occur. A sensitivity impairment could not be detected for either of the nerves by the different test methods 1 week postoperatively. The operative strain related to the donor site was significantly less than the strain generated by the implant placement (rating on a visual analogue scale 2.8 ± 1.0 and 4.1 ± 2.0, respectively, P = 0.027). Retromolar bone grafts are a viable method for augmentation of the implant site in conjunction with single tooth reconstruction with low strain on the patient and minimal risk of complications.Keywords
This publication has 20 references indexed in Scilit:
- Histomorphometric and densitometric changes in bone volume and structure after avascular bone grafting in the extremely atrophic maxillaBritish Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, 2001
- Morbidity of harvesting of chin grafts: a prospective studyClinical Oral Implants Research, 2001
- Simultaneous or delayed placement of titanium implants in free autogenous iliac bone grafts: Histological analysis of the bone graft-titanium interface in 10 consecutive patientsInternational Journal of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, 1999
- Lingual nerve damage during lower third molar removal: a comparison of two surgical methodsBritish Dental Journal, 1996
- Assessment of inferior alveolar and lingual nerve disturbances after dentoalveolar surgery, and of recovery of sensitivityInternational Journal of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, 1993
- Orbital floor reconstruction with autogenous bone harvested from the mandibular lingual cortexBritish Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, 1992
- The assessment of pulpal vitalityInternational Endodontic Journal, 1990
- Fixation Effects on Membranous and Endochondral Onlay Bone-Graft ResorptionPlastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 1988
- Observations on the recovery of sensation following inferior alveolar nerve injuriesBritish Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, 1988
- The Early Revascularization of Membranous BonePlastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 1985