Augmentation in Proximity to the Incisive Foramen to Allow Placement of Endosseous Implants: A Case Series

Purpose: To assess whether augmentation in the proximity of the incisive foramen with an intraoral bone graft to allow for reliable placement of implants is achievable, not jeopardizing the nasopalatine nerve and vessels in a way causing patients' distress.

Patients and Methods: Five patients who had lost a central maxillary incisor due to trauma, and in whom a deficiency of bone at the palatal side was present in the proximity of the incisal canal, were augmented with autogenous cancellous bone harvested from the retromolar region. After a healing period of 3 months, implants were inserted. Patients' acceptance, complications, and postoperative morbidity of the procedure were prospectively evaluated by standardized clinical and radiographic examinations up to 12 months after augmentation.

Results: At the time of implant surgery, in all cases there was sufficient bone for insertion of the implants with adequate primary stability. Up to now (follow-up of 12-15 months) no fixtures have been lost and all pen-implant tissues have a healthy appearance. All patients were satisfied.

Conclusion: Augmentation in the proximity of the incisive foramen to enable implant placement appears to be feasible, both from the perspective of the patient and the professional. (C) 2010 American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons J Oral Maxillofac Surg 68:2267-2271, 2010