Sandwich osteotomy in atrophic mandibles: A retrospective study with a 2‐144 months follow‐up

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present retrospective study was to assess the long-term clinical outcome of sandwich osteotomy in pre-implant augmentation of atrophic mandible. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sandwich osteotomies were performed in partially and fully edentulous mandibles of 63 consecutive patients in the present study. The vertical bone gain, graft stability, and marginal bone loss were measured radiographically. Implant survival and success rates were estimated in the follow-up ranged from 2 to 144 months (mean, 58 months). RESULTS: A total of 75 procedures were reviewed. After an average healing time of 148 days, 220 implants were placed in 74 procedures. Perioperative complications included intraoperative fracture (1/75), transient paresthesia (18/75), wound healing disturbance (18/75), and keratinized tissue deficiency (14/75). The average vertical bone gain was 5.4 mm at the time of implant placement. Significant marginal bone loss occurred during the first 6 months, after which the resorption remained stable. The implant survival rate was estimated as 96.7%, and the success rate was 95.3%. Implant survival and success showed no significant correlation with higher age, anticoagulation therapy, cardiovascular disease, or thyroid disorder. Smoking was correlated with significant lower success rate. CONCLUSION: Sandwich osteotomy is a suitable augmentation procedure for atrophic mandible, allowing for implant placement with promising outcome.