Results of Vertical Bone Augmentation with Autogenous Bone Block Grafts and the Tunnel Technique: A Clinical Prospective Study of 10 Consecutively Treated Patients

The aim of this study was to report the outcome of the management of alveolar crest vertical defects using the tunnel technique approach associated with autogenous bone blocks prior to implant placement in 10 partially dentate consecutively treated patients. Four clinical linear measurements were taken: maximal extension of the vertical defect (VD) at the time of the augmentation procedure (time 0), vertical bone graft (VBG) recorded at time 0, bone resorption at implant placement (time 1), and bone resorption during implant healing at the time of abutment connection (time 2). All patients healed uneventfully, and no complications were recorded. Both mean VD and VBG at time 0 were 6.50 +/- 1.43 mm. Mean bone resorption at time 1 was 0.30 +/- 0.48 mm and mean bone resorption at time 2 was 0.25 +/- 0.26 mm, yielding an overall vertical bone remodeling of 0.55 +/- 0.49 mm (8.4%) after 8 months. This study supports the capability of a minimally invasive approach to regenerate bone in vertical defects prior to implant placement.