Management of Maxillofacial Trauma in Pregnant Women.

INTRODUCTION: Trauma during pregnancy deserves special attention as management must be directed towards both the mother and the fetus. Management of maxillofacial fractures in pregnancy can adversely affect the well-being of the fetus by impinging on normal functions such as respiration, mastication, and nutrition. Pregnancy complicates the management of facial injury due to the maintenance of the patent airway, anesthesia considerations, and imaging restraints. The purpose of this study is to use three illustrative from our own institution to further elucidate education on the management of mandible fracture in pregnancy with a focus on multidisciplinary treatment and outcomes. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed for all cases of facial fractures admitted to Ryder Trauma Center from 2012 to 2022. During this time, 4,910 patients presented with facial fractures 1319 patients were female. Three of the patients were pregnant at the time of admission. Demographics, mechanism of injury, associated injuries, and management information were collected. RESULTS: Patient 1 was a 20-year-old female presented to Ryder Trauma Center following a motor vehicle collision. She was 17 weeks pregnant at the time of admission and was found to have a left mandibular angle fracture. Patient 2 was a 14-year-old female who presented to Ryder Trauma Center status post gunshot wound to the mandible after she and her brother were unknowingly playing with a loaded gun. She was 18 weeks pregnant at the time of admission, with a past medical history of domestic violence, suicidal ideation, and major depressive disorder. Patient 3 was a 20-year-old female 36 weeks pregnant at the time of admission. She presented with a right paraymphyseal fracture and left mandibular angle fracture as a result of falling on the stairs. Patients all underwent surgical repair of fractures.

On radar and radio exposure and cancer in the military setting.

INTRODUCTION: In 2018, we reported a case series of 47 patients diagnosed with cancer following several years of exposure to high-intensity whole-body radiofrequency radiation (RFR) using the parameter of percentage frequency (PF). Consistent high and statistically significant PFs of hematolymphoid (HL) cancers were found in this group and in four previous reports on RFR-exposed groups in Belgium, Poland and Israel together with increased all-cancers rates. In this paper we report a new series of 46 young cancer patients who were exposed during military service to such radiation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The new group of patients comprises Israeli soldiers previously exposed to occupational RFR. The patients were self-selected to enroll in the research in cooperation with an NGO assisting patients with administrative counseling and legal and social services. The new group of patients was studied with respect to distribution (proportion) of cancer types using the method of PF. When possible, cancer risk ratios (RR) were estimated too. The results are compared to those of other occupational groups in three countries. RESULTS: Median age at diagnosis was 23 years; duration of exposure was between 1 and 3 years and the latencies were short, median 4.6 years. The PF of HL cancers was 41.3%, 95% CI (27%-57%), versus 22.7% expected in non-exposed subjects matched for age and gender profiles, p = 0.003; 19 out of the 46 patients had HL cancers. The PF of Hodgkin lymphoma cancers was 21.7%, 95%CI (11%-36%), versus 11.6% expected, p = 0.033. For a subgroup of 6 patients, the number of soldiers in the units was known, and we were able estimate approximately the overall cancer risk ratio (RR) after 8 years as being 8.0 with 95% CI (2.9, 17), p < 0.002, with only 0.75 cases expected from the Cancer Registry data. In this subgroup, there were 3 HL cancer cases and 3 non-HL cases. Sarcoma PF was higher than expected, 7 out of the 46 patients were diagnosed with sarcoma, PF = 15.2%, 95%CI (6.3%-28.9%), p = 0.04 versus the expected PF of 7%. CONCLUSION: The HL PF was high and consistent with previous reports. Epidemiological studies on excess risk for HL and other cancers, brain tumors in cellphone users, and experimental studies on RFR and carcinogenicity strongly point to a cause-effect relationship. It is mandatory to reduce the RFR exposure of all personnel to that of the typical community levels, including the peak level of radar pulses. Radiation protection, safety instructions, cancer risk warnings and quantitative data on individual exposure together with regular medical monitoring must be instituted for all personnel exposed to such risks. The findings from our study add to the growing body of evidence underscoring the gross inadequacy of the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) thermal standards. Based on our findings and on the previous accumulated research, we endorse the recommendations to reclassify RFR exposure as a human carcinogen, International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) group 1.

Does Accurate Positioning of the Temporomandibular Joint Titanium Condylar Prosthesis Prevent Complications?

PURPOSE: Reconstruction of the temporomandibular joint defect is challenging. The purposes of this study were to identify factors associated with the accuracy of positioning of a titanium condylar prosthesis and to measure the association between the accuracy of the condylar prosthesis position and postoperative complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We designed a retrospective cohort study and enrolled a sample of patients whose condyle was reconstructed with an alloplastic condylar prosthesis. The primary predictor variable was the accurate positioning of the prosthesis in the fossa in comparison with the native condyle. The primary outcome variable was the development of postoperative complications related to the inaccurate positioning of the condylar prosthesis. Other variables were included and discussed in detail in the article. In addition, the postoperative pain level was assessed with a visual analog scale score. Because of the small sample size, we elected to use a descriptive data analysis for the research. RESULTS: The final sample was composed of 40 patients, with a mean age of 38 years. A postoperative complication developed in 6 patients (15%), including cutaneous plate exposure after radiation therapy, erosion through the tympanic plate of the condylar fossa, and erosion into the temporal bone. The average displacement of the condylar prosthesis in the patients in whom complications developed was 5.04 mm in the vertical and 1.5 mm in the lateral dimension, which was less than the average of all other patients in the study. Seven patients reported higher levels of pain represented by the visual analog scale score, and this was associated with increased deviation of the condylar prosthesis position by 4.4% and 16.6% in the vertical and lateral dimensions, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This retrospective study showed that the amount of displacement of the temporomandibular joint prosthesis did not correlate with the incidence of complications or postoperative pain.

Radio frequency radiation-related cancer: assessing causation in the occupational/military setting.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: We reexamine whether radio frequency radiation (RFR) in the occupational and military settings is a human carcinogen. METHODS: We extended an analysis of an already-reported case series of patients with cancer previously exposed to whole-body prolonged RFR, mainly from communication equipment and radar. We focused on hematolymphatic (HL) cancers. We used analysis by percentage frequency (PF) of a cancer type, which is the proportion of a specific cancer type relative to the total number of cancer cases. We also examined and analyzed the published data on three other cohort studies from similar military settings from different countries. RESULTS: The PF of HL cancers in the case series was very high, at 40% with only 23% expected for the series age and gender profile, confidence interval CI95%: 26-56%, p<0.01, 19 out of 47 patients had HL cancers. We also found high PF for multiple primaries. As for the three other cohort studies: In the Polish military sector, the PF of HL cancers was 36% in the exposed population as compared to 12% in the unexposed population, p<0.001. In a small group of employees exposed to RFR in Israeli defense industry, the PF of HL cancers was 60% versus 17% expected for the group age and gender profile, p<0.05. In Belgian radar battalions the HL PF was 8.3% versus 1.4% in the control battalions as shown in a causes of deaths study and HL cancer mortality rate ratio was 7.2 and statistically significant. Similar findings were reported on radio amateurs and Korean war technicians. Elevated risk ratios were previously reported in most of the above studies. CONCLUSIONS: The consistent association of RFR and highly elevated HL cancer risk in the four groups spread over three countries, operating different RFR equipment types and analyzed by different research protocols, suggests a cause-effect relationship between RFR and HL cancers in military/occupational settings. While complete measurements of RFR exposures were not available and rough exposure assessments from patients interviews and from partial exposure data were used instead, we have demonstrated increased HL cancers in occupational groups with relatively high RFR exposures. Our findings, combined with other studies, indicate that exposures incurred in the military settings evaluated here significantly increased the risk of HL cancers. Accordingly, the RFR military exposures in these occupations should be substantially reduced and further efforts should be undertaken to monitor and measure those exposures and to follow cohorts exposed to RFR for cancers and other health effects. Overall, the epidemiological studies on excess risk for HL and other cancers together with brain tumors in cellphone users and experimental studies on RFR and carcinogenicity make a coherent case for a cause-effect relationship and classifying RFR exposure as a human carcinogen (IARC group 1).

The Use of Tilted Implant for Posterior Atrophic Maxilla.

PURPOSE: To retrospectively analyze the influence of implant inclination on marginal bone loss at freestanding implant-supported fixed partial prostheses (FPPs) over a medium-term period of functional loading. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-nine partially edentulous patients with freestanding FPDs supported by two implants placed in a two-stage procedure comprised the study group. The anterior implant was placed axially, and the posterior tilted distally. Mesial or distal inclination of each implant was measured in relation to the vertical axis perpendicular to the occlusal plane. Average bone loss was compared between straight and tilted implants, smokers, and nonsmokers. RESULTS: Mean angulation of the anterior axial-positioned implant was 3.45 degrees distally (range 0-8) and of the distal implants was 32.83 degrees distally (range 20-50 degrees). Average bone loss after 1, 3, and 5 years was 0.89 (SD = 0.73), 1.18 (SD = 0.74), and 1.50 (SD = 0.81), respectively, for axial implants, and 0.98 (SD = 0.69), 1.10 (SD = 0.60) and 1.50 (SD = 0.67) for tilted implants, with no significant correlation between implant angulation and bone loss. A significant correlation between implant angulation and annual bone loss was obtained for tilted implants only (r = 0.52, p = .004).Using Albrektsson criteria, the success rate was 89.6% (26 out of 29 implants) for straight and 93.1% (27 out of 29) for tilted implants. CONCLUSION: The study demonstrates no effect of implant angulation on peri-implant bone loss in the posterior maxilla.

High-Energy Traumatic Maxillofacial Injury.

High-energy blunt or penetrating impact leads to great variability in facial injury patterns. Although the mechanism, pattern, and distribution of forces vary, the resultant damage to hard and soft tissues requires dedicated planning and execution of debridement and reconstructive procedures. This article evaluates the initial management of patients sustaining high-energy facial impact injuries resulting in one or more comminuted or displaced facial fractures, with accompanying severe facial lacerations and/or soft tissue defects and avulsion injuries. Seventy-three patients met the criteria for high-energy traumatic injuries at Jackson Memorial/University of Miami Medical Center between 2003 and 2013 and are included in this article. Thirty-nine patients sustained one or more gunshot wounds to the face, and 34 patients were involved in high-speed motor vehicle collisions; all patients met our criteria for high-energy trauma. The treatment protocol for these injuries involves meticulous surgical exploration and assessment, aggressive debridement, early definitive reduction/fixation, and reconstruction as necessary.

Management of pediatric mandible fractures.

The pediatric mandible fracture is a rare occurrence when compared with the number of mandible fractures that occur within the adult population. Although the clinician who manages facial fractures may never encounter a pediatric mandible fracture, it is a unique injury that warrants a comprehensive discussion. Because of the unique anatomy, dentition, and growth of the pediatric patient, the management of a pediatric mandible fracture requires true diligence with a variance in treatment ranging from soft diet to open reduction and internal fixation. In addition to the variability in treatment, any trauma to the face of a child requires additional management factors including child abuse issues and long-term sequelae involving skeletal growth, which may affect facial symmetry and occlusion. The following is a review of the incidence, relevant anatomy, clinical and radiographic examination, and treatment modalities for specific fracture types of the pediatric mandible based on the clinical experience at the University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Hospital Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery program. In addition, a review of the literature regarding the management of the pediatric mandible fracture was performed to offer a more comprehensive overview of this unique subset of facial fractures.

Assessment of the functionality of the pectoralis major myocutaneous flap skin paddle.

INTRODUCTION: The pectoralis major myocutaneous flap (PMMF) is commonly used for oral cavity reconstruction, yet its impact on function (intelligible speech, swallowing, mastication, tongue mobility, oral competence, and mouth opening) has rarely been studied or reported in the literature. PURPOSE: This study assessed the long-term functional outcome of oral cavity reconstruction with PMMF, placing particular emphasis in its correlation with size of the skin paddle and volume of the flap. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-five patients who underwent reconstruction of compound defects of the oral cavity that involved floor of mouth, buccal mucosa, alveolar ridge, retromolar area, lateral tongue, and continuity of mandible were assessed and followed up for up to 4 years. Assessment of function was based on predetermined clinical parameters along with consecutive measurements of skin paddle size. RESULTS: At 6 months, the size of the skin paddles averaged a 37% decrease in size, along with a marked reduction in the mass effect from the flap. Tongue mobility was considered good in all patients. Speech was considered intelligible in 84% of patients, of which 16% required some concentration to understand. Initial complaints of difficulty swallowing resolved in every patient and mouth opening in all patients returned to their preoperative state. These findings were maintained consistently throughout the follow-up period. Flap complications, consisting of partial skin paddle necrosis, occurred in 4 patients (16%), but healed after local debridement. Intraoral hair in the skin paddle was present in 5 men who did not receive postoperative radiotherapy. CONCLUSIONS: Reconstruction of the oral cavity (including defects with partial involvement of the tongue and continuity of mandible) can be predictably accomplished using PMMF. These procedures are associated mostly with minor and temporary disruption of function and quality of life and few complications.

Implant-supported restoration of congenitally missing teeth using cancellous bone block-allografts.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Patients with congenitally missing teeth may present with undeveloped alveolar bone morphology, making implant reconstruction a challenge. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the outcome of dental implants after ridge augmentation with cancellous freeze-dried block bone allografts in patients with congenitally missing teeth. STUDY DESIGN: Twelve patients with a mean age of 21 ± 4 years, were included. Congenitally missing teeth included maxillary lateral incisors, a maxillary canine, and mandibular central and lateral incisors. A bony deficiency of ≥3 mm horizontally and ≤3 mm vertically according to computerized tomography served as inclusion criteria. Twenty-one implants were inserted after a healing period of 6 months. Five out of 21 implants were immediately restored. Bone measurements were taken before bone augmentation, during implant placement, and at second-stage surgery. RESULTS: Nineteen cancellous allogeneic bone-blocks were used. The mean follow-up time was 30 ± 16 months. Bone block and implant survival rates were 100% and 95.2%, respectively. Mean bone gain was statistically significant (P < .001): 5 ± 0.5 mm horizontally and 2 ± 0.5 mm vertically. All of the patients received a fixed implant-supported prosthesis. Soft tissue complications occurred in 4 patients (30%). Complications after cementation of the crowns were seen in 1 implant (4.8%). All implants remained clinically osseointegrated at the end of the follow-up examination. There was no crestal bone loss around the implants beyond the first implant thread. CONCLUSION: Cancellous bone block-allografts can be used successfully for implant-supported restorations in patients with congenitally missing teeth.

Analysis of complications following augmentation with cancellous block allografts.

BACKGROUND: Bone grafting may be associated with soft and hard tissue complications. Recipient site complications encountered using cancellous block allografts for ridge augmentation are analyzed. METHODS: A total of 101 consecutive patients (62 females and 39 males; mean age 44 ± 17 years) were treated with implant-supported restoration of 137 severe atrophic alveolar ridges augmented with cancellous bone-block allografts. Alveolar ridge deficiency locations were classified as anterior maxilla (n = 58); posterior maxilla (n = 32 sinuses); posterior mandible (n = 32); and anterior mandible (n = 15). A total of 271 rough-surface implants were placed. Recipient site complications associated with block grafting (infection, membrane exposure, incision line opening, perforation of mucosa over the grafted bone, partial graft failure, total graft failure, and implant failure) were recorded. RESULTS: Partial and total bone-block graft failure occurred in 10 (7%) and 11 (8%) of 137 augmented sites, respectively. Implant failure rate was 12 (4.4%) of 271. Soft tissue complications included membrane exposure (42 [30.7%] of 137); incision line opening (41 [30%] of 137); and perforation of the mucosa over the grafted bone (19 [14%] of 137). Infection of the grafted site occurred in 18 (13%) of 137 bone blocks. Alveolar ridge deficiency location had a statistically significant effect on the outcome of recipient site complications. More complications were noted in the mandible compared to the maxilla. Age and gender had no statistically significant effect. CONCLUSIONS: Failures caused by complications were rarely noted in association with cancellous block grafting. The incidence of complications in the mandible was significantly higher. Soft tissue complications do not necessarily result in total loss of cancellous block allograft.

Management of gunshot wounds to the mandible.

The gunshot wound to the mandible is a unique traumatic injury. The resultant injury from the gunshot wound is diverse because of the variability of the projectile, motion, velocity, and tissue characteristics. When a high-velocity projectile strikes the mandible, often times the wound will consist of a severely comminuted mandible surrounded by nonvital soft tissues and the implantation of multiple foreign bodies. This represents a challenge for the treating surgeon. The anatomy and function of the mandible make it such that the care of the gunshot wound requires a combination of trauma and reconstructive surgeries. There are varying techniques advocated for the management of gunshot wound to the face. However, for the comminuted mandible fracture sustained from a gunshot wound, an approach involving the fabrication of an occlusal splint, intermaxillary fixation, aggressive debridement of hard and soft tissues, and immediate reconstruction with a titanium plate is a comprehensive approach that can restore the appropriate function and contour of the patient. At the Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University of Miami, this approach to the comminuted mandible fracture secondary to the gunshot wound has led to the effective management of this specific subset of injury. The complication rate is comparable with the current literature and provides an advantage as a 1-stage management to restore appropriate function and cosmesis to the patient.

Use of corticocancellous allogeneic bone blocks for augmentation of alveolar bone defects.

PURPOSE: The use of autogenous block bone grafts in bone regeneration procedures for alveolar ridge augmentation can be limited by donor site morbidity and complications. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of allogeneic corticocancellous iliac block grafts used for ridge augmentation prior to implant placement. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-one patients with severe ridge volume deficiency underwent augmentation using allogeneic corticocancellous iliac block bone grafts. After rigid fixation of the graft, the site was covered with a freeze-dried allogeneic dura mater membrane, and the wound was closed with tension-free suturing. Implants were placed 3 to 4 months after surgery. Three to 6 months after implant placement, panoramic radiographs were taken and implants were uncovered for prosthetic restoration. RESULTS: Of the 57 grafts placed, one showed 2.5 mm of resorption at the superior buccal aspect of the graft. No other clinical problems were observed. The block grafts were clinically well integrated into the recipient sites and the augmented bone remained stable throughout the implant placement procedures. Of the 84 implants placed, only one failed to integrate. CONCLUSION: These results demonstrate that the use of allogeneic corticocancellous iliac block bone grafts in conjunction with guided bone regeneration principles is a viable alternative to autogenous grafts in selected patients with alveolar ridge deficiencies.

Healing in smokers versus nonsmokers: survival rates for sinus floor augmentation with simultaneous implant placement.

PURPOSE: Evidence suggests that smoking is detrimental to the survival of dental implants placed in grafted maxillary sinuses. Studies have shown that improving bone quantity and quality, using rough-surfaced implants, and practicing good oral hygiene may improve outcomes. In this prospective study, the long-term survival rates of implants placed simultaneously with sinus grafting in smokers and nonsmokers were compared. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Implants with roughened surfaces were immediately placed into maxillary sinus grafts in patients with 1 to 7 mm of residual bone. A total of 2132 simultaneous implants were placed into the grafted sinuses of 226 smokers (627 implants) and 505 nonsmokers (1505 implants). A majority of the patients received a composite graft consisting of 50% autogenous bone. In both smokers and nonsmokers, approximately two thirds of the implants had microtextured surfaces; the remainder had hydroxyapatite-coated surfaces. The implants were restored and monitored during clinical follow-up for up to 9 years. RESULTS: Cumulative survival of implants at 9 years was 97.9%. There were no statistically significant differences in implant failure rates between smokers and nonsmokers. DISCUSSION: Implant survival was believed to depend on the following aspects of the technique used: creation of a large buccal window to allow access to a large recipient site; use of composite grafts consisting of at least 50% autogenous bone; meticulous bone condensation; placement of long implants (i.e., 15 mm); use of implants with hydroxyapatite-coated or microtextured surfaces; use of a membrane to cover the graft and implants; antibiotic use and strict oral hygiene; use of interim implants and restricted use of dentures; and adherence to a smoking cessation protocol.

Predictability of simultaneous implant placement in the severely atrophic posterior maxilla: A 9-year longitudinal experience study of 2132 implants placed into 731 human sinus grafts.

PURPOSE: One-stage implant placement in the grafted maxillary sinus has traditionally been limited to patients with at least 5 mm of residual bone to ensure complete implant stabilization. The aim of this prospective study was to determine the long-term survival rates of implants with roughened surfaces placed immediately into maxillary sinus grafts in patients with 1 to 5 mm of residual bone. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 2132 microtextured screw-type (n=1374) or hydroxyapatite-coated cylinder-type (n=758) implants were immediately placed into the grafted sinuses of 731 patients. The implants were restored and monitored for up to 9 years of clinical follow-up. RESULTS: Cumulative survival at 9 years was 97.9% (n=2091 implants); 20.4% of the implants were placed in 1 to 2 mm of residual bone. DISCUSSION: Initial implant stability and parallelism were achieved through a combination of meticulous condensation of the particulate bone graft material around the implants, the frictional interface of the roughened implant surfaces and the host tissues, and selection of an appropriate graft material. CONCLUSIONS: Simultaneous implant placement into sinus floor grafts can be a predictable treatment option for patients with at least 1 to 2 mm of vertical residual bone height when careful case planning and meticulous surgical techniques are used.

Maxillary sinus and ridge augmentations using a surface-derived autogenous bone graft.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this article is to describe a new technique and the anatomic sites for cutting and harvesting bone for grafting applications. A handheld instrument is described that cuts and collects thin shavings of bone from cortical surfaces. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study included 193 consecutive patients who needed bone augmentation and simultaneous implant placement in the severely atrophic posterior maxilla and in the anterior maxilla with acquired defect of alveolar bone as a result of local trauma. A total of 477 implants were placed. Clinical criteria for evaluation at time of implant exposure included stability in all directions, crestal bone resorption, and any reported pain of discomfort. RESULTS: There were no failures of the anterior maxilla group, and no signs of bone resorption were noted at the second stage surgery or during the follow-up. During initial and late healing, there was no dehiscence of the soft tissue flaps and no membranes were exposed. Core biopsies typically showed immature, newly formed bone and, on average, 27% to 36% vital bone. CONCLUSION: From this research, it appears that excellent implant success rates can be achieved in grafted sinuses or ridges when a locally harvested autogenous bone graft with a ribbon geometry is used.

Primary diffuse large cell lymphoma of the mandible.

Primary diffuse large cell lymphoma of the mandible is a rare form of extranodal non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL). Herein we present 4 cases treated at our institution over a 5-year period and review 40 cases previously reported in the English-literature. The median age at presentation is 51 years with equal distribution between males and females. At presentation the lymphoma is usually limited to the jaw (stage IE) and the most common presenting symptoms include swelling of the jaw (58%), pain (53%), and mental dysesthesia or numbness (20%). Despite symptoms of numb chin syndrome, central nervous system (CNS) involvement at presentation has not been reported. The reported therapy of this rare diffuse large cell lymphoma presentation is very heterogeneous, however majority of patients were treated with combination of chemotherapy and radiotherapy with estimated 5-year overall survival of only 60%. Multi-center prospective clinical trials are needed to determine the optimal therapeutic approach to this rare diffuse large cell lymphoma presentation.

Platelet-rich plasma for bone graft enhancement in sinus floor augmentation with simultaneous implant placement: patient series study.

The use of autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) as a source for growth factors in bone grafting is a relatively new and promising technique. Early controlled studies indicate that combining PRP with autologous bone grafts significantly enhances the rate of bone formation and maturation. The study consisted of 105 patients who required sinus augmentation with crestal bone height of less than 5 mm in the posterior maxilla. All patients received a composite bone graft that consisted of 30% to 40% autogenous bone harvested from the lateral wall of the maxilla zygomatic-maxillary buttress and the tuberosity and 60% to 70% xenograft. A total of 50 mL of blood was obtained from each patient before the surgical treatment for preparation of 10 mL of PRP. The graft-PRP mixture was activated by human thrombin. All sinus augmentations were carried out simultaneously with dental implants. At 6 months postoperatively, implants were exposed showing no clinical evidence of crestal bone loss around the implants both clinically and radiographically. All implants were clinically osseointegrated and loaded with fixed porcelain fused to metal prosthesis. The use of PRP in augmenting the severely atrophic posterior maxilla has obvious clinical benefits in terms of reducing the healing period of bone maturation, better graft handling, and accelerated soft tissue healing.