Recent developments in interpositional bone-grafting of the atrophic mandible.

A clinical study on 54 patients, who underwent augmentation of the atrophic mandible by interposed bone-grafts, but in whom routine follow-up vestibuloplasty was deliberately avoided, is presented. The results show a reduced rate of bone resorption in the anterior region and less interference with lip and chin sensibility. An additional study is included concerning the fate of the elevated ridge and associated bone-graft in the body region posterior to the mental foramen. Results suggest that the resorption pattern in this area is very similar to that of a subperiosteal bone-graft. Modification of surgical technique in this regard has produced encouraging results.