Onlay Bone Grafting

This chapter details a method of augmenting the hard tissue of the mandible and/or maxilla to facilitate the placement of endosseous implants. It focuses on surgical indications, contraindications, intraoral alveolar ridge augmentation technique, subperiosteal mandibular tunnel grafting technique, symphysis graft technique, lateral ramus graft technique, postoperative management, complications and key points of onlay bone grafting. Ridge morphology dictates the type of onlay graft utilized. Three-wall and four-wall bony defects, saddle depressions, and areas of deficient buccal bone with an inferior stop are typically amendable to onlay particulate grafting. Block grafts require contouring prior to placement to maximize bone contact, allow an even and passive fit, and remove all sharp edges and corners. The chapter also provides several case reports with high-quality images.