Augmentation in proximity to the incisive foramen to allow placement of endosseous implants: a case series.
OBJECTIVE
To assess whether augmentation in the proximity of the incisive foramen with an intraoral bone graft to allow for reliable placement of implants is achievable, not jeopardizing the nasopalatine nerve and vessels in a way causing patients' distress.


METHODS
Five patients who had lost a central maxillary incisor due to trauma, and in whom a deficiency of bone at the palatal side was present in the proximity of the incisal canal, were augmented with autogenous cancellous bone harvested from the retromolar region. After a healing period of 3 months, implants were inserted. Patients' acceptance, complications, and postoperative morbidity of the procedure were prospectively evaluated by standardized clinical and radiographic examinations up to 12 months after augmentation.


RESULTS
At the time of implant surgery, in all cases there was sufficient bone for insertion of the implants with adequate primary stability. Up to now (follow-up of 12-15 months) no fixtures have been lost and all peri-implant tissues have a healthy appearance. All patients were satisfied.


CONCLUSIONS
Augmentation in the proximity of the incisive foramen to enable implant placement appears to be feasible, both from the perspective of the patient and the professional.
Raghoebar
Gerry M
GM
Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands. g.m.raghoebar@kchir.umcg.nl
den Hartog
Laurens
L
Vissink
Arjan
A
D000328:Adult; D000540:Alveolar Ridge Augmentation / Q000379:methods*; D016025:Bone Transplantation; D003758:Dental Implantation, Endosseous / Q000379:methods*; D019250:Dental Implants, Single-Tooth; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007180:Incisor / Q000293:injuries; D008297:Male; D008437:Maxilla / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D021362:Palate, Hard / Q000098:blood supply / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000294:innervation*; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011859:Radiography; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult