Segmental sandwich osteotomy of the posterior mandible in pre-implant surgery - A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: The rehabilitation of the atrophic posterior mandible with dental implants often requires bone augmentation procedures. The aim of the present study is the systematic review of the literature concerning the success rate of Segmental Sandwich Osteotomy (SSO) of the posterior mandible in pre-implant surgery.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: Systematic review of all clinical cases and clinical studies of SSO of the posterior mandible in pre-implant surgery with a minimum follow-up of 6 months after implant loading was performed, based on specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. The search strategy involved searching the electronic databases of MEDLINE, EMBASE, COCHRANE LIBRARY, Clinical Trials (www.clinicaltrials.gov) and National Research Register (www.controlled-trials.com), supplemented by a manual search, in August 2015. In every study, the intervention characteristics and the outcome were recorded.

RESULTS: Out of the 756 initial results, only 17 articles fulfilled the predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria. They consisted of 9 retrospective case reports or series and 8 prospective randomized clinical trials. Overall, the studies included 174 patients. In these patients, 214 SSO augmentation procedures were performed in the posterior mandible and 444 implants were placed. The follow-up period after implant loading ranged between 8 months and 5.5 years. The success rate of SSO ranged between 90% and 100%. The implant survival during the follow-up period ranged between 90.9% and 100%.

CONCLUSIONS: Segmental Sandwich Osteotomy should be considered as a well documented technique for the rehabilitation of the atrophic posterior mandible, with long-term postsurgical follow-up. The success rates are very high, as well as the survival of the dental implants placed in the augmented area.