[Sandwich osteotomy--a biologic method for vertical augmentation of edentulous alveolar ridges].

[oligodontia]

Vertical augmentation for rehabilitation with dental implants poses a clinical challenge . The surgical obstacles have been extensively documented within the literature . Outcomes of the multiple methods available are not predictable , and overall success rates are sub-optimal . This paper presents the Sandwich Osteotomy Technique (interpositional rhBMP-2 and bone subtitute grafting ) in a young female with congenital oligodontia . The uniqueness of this method , like in distraction osteogenesis , is that the segmental bone remains attached to the mucoperiosteal flap and thus the blood supply is maintained . Bone graft or substitute is introduced into the interpositional space that was created . Advantages of Sandwich Osteotomy are minimal bone exposure , good blood supply , no need for donor bone graft and minimal overall morbidity . Limitations of the technique are soft tissue stretching , gingival fibrosis , and high technical demand . According to our experience with this surgical method , vertical augmentation is stable up to 8 mm . Beyond this height approximately 10 % bone resorption was noticed .