Introduction: Following tooth extraction, the alveolar bone is resorbed in different directions. The alveolar bone width resorbs more than alveolar bone height. The autologous tooth shell (ATS) had been of great interest in dental research as for it's low cost and less aggressiveness than Autogenous bone (AB).
Materials and Methods: A clinical trial was carried on 12 patients of both sexes who were radiologically diagnosed with narrow maxilla in the anterior and/or premolar area. Tooth shells were used, by fixing them buccally with osteosynthesis screws.
Bio-Oss® bone granules and resorbable collagen membrane were used. Horizontal ridge width (HRW) was measured preoperatively (HRW1) and 4 months postoperatively (HRW2) using CBCT. Patients were fully informed of the clinical trial and signed a written informed consent.
Results: The age of the selected sample size varied from 20 to 45 years old, with a mean of 42.08±2.19 , there were three men and nine females. 10 cases underwent uneventful recovery, while 2 cases showed dehiscence. ATS was utilized in the augmentation of the narrow ridge, from a narrow ridge width HRW1 of mean value 4.46±0.51 mm to the final HRW2 of mean value 6.85±0.63mm after 4 months of surgery. The average horizontal ridge width gain HRWG was 2.40±0.41 mm. Augmented bone density showed minimal or no significant change.
Conclusion: This study showed that autologous tooth shell improves esthetics and bone healing and width in esthetic zone of maxilla. ATS is a potential replacement for traditional autologous bone grafts in the future.