Utilizing Edentulous Ridge as Autogenous Block Graft for Buccal Contouring Horizontal Ridge Augmentation

Introduction Augmenting the edentulous anterior mandible can be a challenge. This case report describes a novel technique that combines bone reduction and buccal contouring using an autogenous block graft. Case Presentation A patient presented with a conventional mandibular denture that had poor retention. The patient had a deficient ridge that could not support dental implants without hard tissue augmentation. The anterior mandible was reduced vertically with an osteotomy to allow harvest of an autogenous block graft for horizontal ridge augmentation. After 8 months, dental implants were placed in a ridge with adequate width and patient proceed to final prosthesis. Conclusion The technique may be considered in the atrophic mandible when a narrow ridge requires vertical height reduction as an autogenous block can be harvested and placed at a single surgical site.