Posterior segmental osteotomy of maxillary edentulous ridge: an alternative to vertical reduction.

The posterior segmental maxillary osteotomy (PSMO) can be used as an alternative procedure to vertical reduction of the edentulous posterior maxilla. Surgical intrusion of the segment resulted in an adequate interarch space for prosthetic restoration without cortical bone loss and widening of the edentulous ridge and the mobilized keratinized mucosa as would be the case if vertical alveolar reduction had been performed.