Re-Establish Lost Palatal Portion after Failed Bone Graft?
Dr. C. asks:
I placed a mineralized freeze dried bone graft and titanium reinforced membrane over an alveolar ridge deficiency and facial defect #9 area. After about 5 weeks, the membrane became exposed on the palate and eventually I had to remove it.
The labial plate appears adequate, but there was a vertical defect on the palate and the palatal tissue has lost a significant amount of bulk. I would like to re-establish the lost palatal portion of the ridge. I’ve also run across this problem in periodontal patients with large palatal osseous defects but adequate labial ridge for good esthetics.
I’ve not seen anyone address how to handle this problem if dental implant placement in a situation like this has been planned. What do you do in these situations? Any advice would be appreciated.