Grafting and Dental Implantation in Patients With Jawbone Cavitation: Case Series and 3-Year Follow-Up.

PURPOSE: Jawbone cavitation (BC) is not uncommon and is considered to be related to some cases of unexpected implant displacement into deep jawbone space. Here, a series of cases with BC is described, in which the lesions were accidentally found and successfully treated by bone grafting and dental implantation.

METHODS: Thirty-four partially edentulous patients who were found to have BC during dental implant surgeries were included in this study. Alloplast bone substitute (β-tricalcium phosphate) grafting with immediate or staged locking-taper implant placement was performed. Bone filling and implants on BC were followed up to 36 months, and they were evaluated clinically and radiographically to verify treatment outcome.

RESULTS: A total of 41 BCs were found at premolar and molar regions, which involved one or more teeth breadth. Nearly most of the lesions occurred in the mandible (95.1%, 39/41). Histologically, they were compatible with focal osteoporotic marrow defects. Fifty-two locking-taper implants and final restorations were delivered on 38 BCs. One implant failed due to loss of integration. The overall cumulative 3-year implant survival rate was 98.1%.

CONCLUSION: By carefully examining and managing the surgical bed, the current treatment modality was shown to yield a satisfactory outcome for restoration of edentulous ridge with underneath BC.