Tomographic evaluation of atrophic maxilla rehabilitated with autogenous and xenogeneic block grafts

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the dimensional stability of autogenous and xenogenous bone blocks after grafting procedures using cone beam computed tomography 

Material and Methods: Autogenous (n=6) and xenogeneic (n=7) bone graft blocks were evaluated after 8 (T1) and 16 (T2) months. A dimensional analysis was carried using linear measurements of the height and thickness of the blocks in the tomographic exam.

Results: For the autogenous bone blocks, there was a reduction in height of 1.42mm (10.06%) and a reduction in mean thickness of 1.24mm (29.60%). For the xenogeneic bone blocks, the mean height reduction was 1.38mm (10.02%) and the mean thickness reduction was 0.97mm (18.81%) with remodeling (26.62%). However, there were no significant differences between the xenogeneic and autogenous bone blocks (p=0.366).

Conclusions: The results showed no differences in the dimensional stability of autogenous or xenogenous bone graft blocks. However, clinical and experimental studies with longer follow up periods are needed to elucidate the mechanisms involved in the remodeling process of bone grafts.