Current concepts in alveolar bone augmentation: a critical appraisal

ABSTRACT

Augmentation of the alveolar bone is widely used in implant treatment to create predictable function and esthetics in areas with inadequate bone volume. This can be achieved by various techniques including hard tissue onlays, bone grafts, membrane techniques, bone distraction and bone expansion. The objective of this article is to discuss recent observations of the various bone grafts and bone substitutes, guided bone regeneration, combination techniques, as well as ridge preservation techniques. Despite the increase in the number of procedures that require bone grafts, there has not been a single ideal bone graft substitute. An attempt is made to review the existing bone grafts, and the developments in tissue engineering that may bring biologic alternatives to enhance the functional capabilities of the bone graft substitutes