Three-dimensional microplate-enhanced alveolar ridge augmentation--an alternative to nerve transposition.

The placement of endosseous implants in the atrophic posterior mandible has presented a challenge to the surgeon and restorative dentist. Traditional procedures either require nerve transposition or utilization of implants placed at less than favorable angles. A technique is presented for the three-dimensional augmentation of the atrophic alveolar ridge utilizing microplate-enhanced guided bone regeneration technology. The applications of this technique in other intraoral and extraoral sites are currently under investigation by the authors.