Initial case report of an extracted tooth root used for lateral alveolar ridge augmentation.

OBJECTIVES Recent animal studies have indicated, that tooth roots reveal a structural and biological potential to serve as alternative autografts for localized ridge augmentation. This proof-of-concept initial report aimed at investigating, whether this new surgical concept may be applied to humans. MATERIAL & METHODS In one patient, who was in need for horizontal ridge augmentation, the roots of a retained upper wisdom tooth were separated and rigidly fixed at the defect site. After 24 weeks of submerged healing, the primary endpoint was defined as gain in ridge width (mm) being sufficient to place an adequately dimensioned titanium implant at the respective site. Secondary outcomes included safety assessments. RESULTS Soft tissue healing was uneventful during the entire observation period. Clinical re-entry at 24 weeks revealed, that the transplanted root was homogeneously incorporated at the former defect site and mainly replaced by a newly formed hard tissue. The gain in ridge width amounted to 4.5 mm and allowed for a successful implant placement with good primary stability. The procedure was not associated with any wound infection or adverse events. CONCLUSIONS This novel approach may be further investigated in implant site development procedures.