Success of bone grafts in atrophic posterior edentulous mandible: literature review.

Background: The success of implant therapy depends on the availability of an adequate bone volume in the edentulous site. In the case of posterior bone atrophy, the increase of the alveolar ridge is a prerequisite for the optimal placement of endosseous implants. Purpose: The purpose of this research is to analyze in Literature the success of bone grafts in posterior atrophic edentulous mandible. Materials and methods: The Literature analysis includes only relevant articles specifically on the topic. The following parameters were evaluated: the type of materials used, the average gain expressed in millimeters, the success of the grafts over time and their complications, the outcome of the grafts according of the materials used and the survival rate of endosseous implants over time. Results: Autologous, homologous and heterologous materials were used for the grafts, either separately or in combination. However autologous bone, obtained from the mandible, was preferentially used for grafts in atrophic posterior mandible. Membranes could be also associated to the grafts. The gain in the alveolar ridge was achieved both horizontally and vertically, and usually reflected the surgeon's effort to meet patient's needs. Conclusions: A review of literature reveals that the intraoral autologous bone graft is the most used and allows to achieve the best result in restoring posterior atrophic mandible.