Principles for regenerating the atrophic alveolar ridge: from single tooth to full arch.

Osseointegration as a concept was introduced several decades ago (Brånemark et al. 1969). During these decades, implant dentistry has advanced and nowadays it is a common, predictable and successful treatment option in the rehabilitation of partially and completely edentulous patients, providing reliable long-term results. However, the correct placement of dental implants can be more complex or even impossible in certain cases due to alveolar atrophy and extensive bone defects resulting from various reasons such as periodontal disease. In such conditions, setting the location of dental implants in the precise 3-dimensional (3D) role is nearly not possible due to substantial adjustments in each vertical and horizontal bone dimensions, thus negatively affecting right prosthetic reconstruction. Several techniques and bone grafting substances have been proposed to overcome this problem by increasing the width and height of the atrophic alveolar ridge. Bone regeneration/regeneration is a modern and biological method that allows the regeneration of hard tissues in order to restore the dimensions of the atrophic alveolar ridge. This presentation will focus on the surgical reconstruction techniques depending of the bone defects in each case, as well as the biomaterials that can be used for a predictable, long term and aesthetic result.