Jaw Reconstruction With Grafted Autologous Bone: Early Insertion of Osseointegrated Implants and Early Prosthetic Loading

Purpose: The aim of the present pilot study was to evaluate the behavior of grafted iliac bone placed in atrophic alveolar ridges, when osseointegrated implants were inserted early (2 months after grafting) and when prosthetic loading was anticipated (2 months after fixture insertion). Patients and Methods: Dental panoramic x-rays and computed tomography (CT) scans were carried out before the grafting procedure, after implant placement, and after prosthetic loading (after 30 months). Results: Grafted bone tissue showed a resorption of about 21.8%. Clinical evaluation of implant therapy following Melloning and Triplett criteria showed 91% success considering the total number of implants inserted. Conclusion: The follow-up at 6, 12, and 30 months after fixed prostheses placement showed that early implant insertion and early prosthetic loading can lead to better results than those obtained from standard protocols. © 2006 American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons.