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Implants can be a treatment option when there is sufficient quantity and quality of bone to provide support for long-term success. In the reconstruction of defects, autogenous bone remains the gold standard for its osteogenic and compatibility properties. However, the disadvantage of secondary surgery and the associated donor site morbidity prompts researchers to develop the ideal bone substitute for optimum bone reconstruction. Parathyroid hormone (PTH1-34) has provided a new option for improvement in bone regeneration. This study used a pig model to evaluate the effectiveness of parathyroid hormone when added to a xenograft, Bio-Oss, in reconstructing mandible defects. Six domestic pigs were used to create 3 posterior mandibular defects measuring 2 × 1-cm bilaterally with a total of 36 defects to simulate tooth extraction sites in humans. The defects were grafted in random order and divided into 3 groups as follows: control (no graft), Bio-Oss without PTH, and Bio-Oss with PTH. Defects were assessed with cone beam computerized tomography (CBCT), micro computerized tomography (microCT), nanoindentation, and histology. Results showed that adding PTH1-34 significantly enhanced the graft construct. CBCT showed a significant increase in the degree of bone mineralization. Nanoindentation showed increased hardness of regenerated bone and accelerated bone mineralization with PTH. MicroCT analysis revealed a trend toward higher bone regeneration and mineralization. The histological analysis showed a positive trend of the increase in cortical bone thickness and mineral apposition rate. In conclusion, the local addition of PTH1-34 to a xenograft has shown promising results to enhance bone regeneration in the reconstruction of mandibular defects.

A variety of techniques and materials has been used to provide the structural base of bone and soft tissue support for dental implants. Alveolar bone augmentation techniques include different surgical approaches such as guided bone regeneration, onlay grafting, interpositional grafting, distraction osteogenesis, ridge splitting, and socket preservation. In the case presented, a technique was used to augment the alveolar bone three-dimensionally with autologous “bone rings” and immediate implant placement in a 1-stage procedure following teeth extraction. Bone rings (circular osteotomies) were outlined at the symphysis area using trephine burs, and a central osteotomy for implant placement was done before its removal. The rings were then removed and sculptured to fit the extraction socket; this was followed by screwing the implant through the ring, gaining its primary stability from the prepared basal bone.