Reconstruction of alveolar jaw bone. An experimental and clinical study of immediate and preformed autologous bone grafts in combination with osseointegrated implants.

In edentulousness, which cannot be adequately compensated for by a denture but causes considerable oral dysfunction, the treatment of choice is a bridge construction on osseointegrated titanium fixtures. In those cases, where the quantity or quality of the alveolar ridge--as a consequence of progressing resorption--does not provide enough bone tissue for lasting implant anchorage, restoration of jaw bone anatomy is required. In attempts to evaluate the best material and method for bone reconstruction in these cases, experimental and clinical studies on various grafting procedures were performed.

Reconstruction of the defective mandible.

In a clinical material consisting of 31 cases of mandibular defects, caused by tumour resection or by trauma, reconstruction has been carried out by means of a stabilizing titanium splint and autologous bone and marrow transplantation, the longest period of observation being 9 years. The functional results obtained are assessed with reference to the cause of resection. Different technical procedures are described and the objectives and the planning of reconstruction of the lower jaw are discussed.