The tunnel technique in bone augmentation
Sufficient bone volume in the implant site is key factor for long-term results in dental implant surgery. Different techniques use alveolar ridge traditional incisions and raising of mucosal-periosteal flap. Using traditional incisions for patient with thin gingival biotype, with scarred mucosa due to previous surgeries, with associations pathology may lead to such complications as dehiscence, infections and bone graft loss. To avoid these complications the Tunnel Technique is used, creating ideal conditions for augmented bone healing. Method. 26 partially edentulous patients having vertical and horizontal bone tissue loss were included in our clinical study.13 of them had traditional incision, 13 patients had one or two vertical incisions. The autogenous bone blocks were grafted from the mandibula retromolar sites with the MicroSaw technique. The bone blocks were fixed with miniscrews. The sutures were removed 14 days later. Dental implants were installed after the bone augmentation had been carried. The implants were loaded 4 months after the augmentation. Results: This study showed that patients where Tunnel technique incision was used had no or minor complications when compared to the patients with traditional incisions. Conclusions: The tunnel technique in bone augmentation allows achieving predictable and stable results. Maximal integrity of soft tissues and periosteum, minimal incision can guarantee revascularization, which makes the treatment outcome predictable.