Clinical and histologic evaluation of fresh frozen human bone grafts for horizontal reconstruction of maxillary alveolar ridges.

The aims of the present study were to clinically and histologically evaluate human fresh frozen bone (FFB) grafts used to treat severe maxillary horizontal defects prior to dental implant placement. Ten patients were treated with FFB onlay grafts. Measurements using computed tomography scans were recorded preoperatively and at 5 months. Six core biopsies were retrieved and processed for light microscopy. At baseline, thickness of the maxillary alveolar ridge measured 2.3 +/- 0.4 mm; it measured 6.8 +/- 0.5 mm after reconstruction. All implants were successful after 24 months. Histologic results showed that FFB blocks and new bone were integrated perfectly. Histomorphometry revealed a mean percentage of bone of 57.5% +/- 24.7%. (Int J Periodontics Restorative Dent 2011; 31:535-544.