European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine

Abstract

Dimensional variations in the alveolar ridge after extraction often negotiations on achieving adequate  implant stability and placement of implants in the right prosthodontic positions. These circumstances request augmentation of the residual ridge to accomplish successful implant placement and long-term survival. Vertical Ridge Augmentation  is accomplished using both hard and soft tissue grafting procedures that intend to augment the alveolar ridge volume beyond the existing skeletal envelope; they are usually performed at the edentulous site of a deficient alveolar ridge . Although there are a large variety of alveolar ridge augmentation techniques with various degrees of success,  this review concentrate on vertical ridge augmentation using guided bone regeneration, autogenous block and alveolar distraction osteogenesis . Vertical ridge augmentation  procedures before or during dental implant placement are technically challenging and often encounter procedure-related complications. To minimize complications and promote success, a literature search was conducted to validate procedures used for Vertical Ridge Augmentation. A decision tree based on the amount of additional ridge height needed (<4, 4 to 6, or > 6 mm) is developed to improve the procedure-selection process. A decision tree guides selection of the most appropriate treatment modality and sequence for safe, predictable management of the vertically deficient ridge in implant therapy. Though the available literature speaks of an excess of methods and agents for ridge augmentation, there is a comparative scarcity of quality evidence to guide the selection of suitable techniques and material. Henceforth, this paper is an endeavor to develop and describe an evidence-based decision pathway for the selection of suitable techniques for various clinical situations. Additionally, a descriptive overview of various techniques and materials is presented.