Minimally Invasive Surgery for Horizontal Ridge Augmentation (Subperiosteal Tunneling): A Case Report

Roberto Miers, Helton Panisson, Norival Francisco de Souza Junior, Mrcio Adriano Vavassori, Thais Ustulin Fuzer, Tulio Del Conte Valcanaia, Guenther Schuldt Filho

Abstract: This case report emphasizes the importance of planning for excellent resolution of complex cases. A female patient wearing a total prosthesis for 20 years exhibited severe horizontal resorption in the premaxillary area, making rehabilitation with implants impossible. The maxilla was regenerated using a lyophilized allogeneic bone from a tissue bank, and subperiosteal tunneling was performed. The technique recovered the lost bone thickness after dental extractions, thus allowing the placement of eight implants, five of them in the grafted area. The patient was rehabilitated with a complete fixed prosthesis, recovering function and aesthetics.

Keywords: Bone Graft, tunneling technique, dental implant, ridge augmentation, minnimaly invasive surgery, maxilary reconstruction, periosteal cell