Dental Implantation of Atrophic Jaws Reconstructed with Iliac Bone Graft Crest - Outcome of Seven Cases

BACKGROUND Iliac bone grafts are used to augment alveolar ridges followed by subsequent dental implants in completely edentulous patients. In Albania the information about these issues is scarce. AIM To describe the procedure of iliac bone grafts augmentation of alveolar ridges and evaluate the survival rate of dental implants in completely edentulous patients in Albania. SUBJECTS AND METHODS Seven totally edentulous patients (three males, average age 45.9 years) presenting at Durrës Regional Hospital during 2008-2015 and seeking a solution to their problem through implantation procedures were included in the study. Patients were thoroughly examined, evaluated and the best augmentation procedure, using iliac crest bone grafts, and dental implantation technique was chosen. The number of dental implants placed was recorded and their survival rate was calculated. RESULTS The most common intervention site was maxillae (in 71.4% of cases). Dental implants were installed six months after augmentation, all fixed on the very stable augmented alveolar ridge. On average between 20%-30% of bone grafts, volume was resorbed. Of 37 implants settled, 36 of them or 97.3% survived. CONCLUSION Iliac bone grafts are a suitable augmentation source of bone in a patient suffering from complete edentulism in Albania. The survival rate of dental implants is very satisfactory.