Use of hydroxylapatite for the augmentation of deficient alveolar ridges.

Investigations were undertaken to evaluate nonresorbable, particulate ceramic hydroxylapatite (durapatite) for augmentation of deficient alveolar ridges. One hundred and fifteen augmentations in both jaws were reported for 110 patients over a 33-month postoperative period. Subjective and objective data show that the implant was successful for all classes of ridges augmented; height, bulk, contour, and ridge form generally improved, and soft tissue overlying the augmented ridges was firm and immobile. Impressions for dentures were usually obtained four to six weeks after surgery, and the dentures were more stable, retentive, and esthetically pleasing than the preoperative prostheses and required fewer relinings. Other than transiently altered sensations resulting from mental nerve manipulation during surgery, patients had few complications. No infection or bone resorption beneath the implant was observed throughout these studies. It was concluded that hydroxylapatite particles placed through a subperiosteal tunnel offer a highly successful method of ridge augmentation and eliminate the most serious problems associated with the use of autogenous or banked bone, namely, morbidity, risk, costliness, and poor results.