Block Bone Grafting
Guided bone regeneration is most often used for lateral ridge augmentation. Some authors have described vertical augmentation, but it is less predictable.
Corticocancellous bone grafts are an a lternative to guided bone regeneration techniques. Bone can be harvested from the genial region, mandibular all}us, or iliac crest and used to augment lateral or vertical height of the atrophic ridge (Fig. 14-60). The defect is approached and prepared for grafting by perforating the cortical bone and creating a site to receive the graft. The corticocancellous block is harvested and trimmed to fit into the defect. Stabilization of the graft and primary closure is paramount. After 4 to 6 months of healing,