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 end-point 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.