Introduction: The reconstruction of alveolar bone defects is often necessary to support successful implant therapy. Although multiple technologies are available to achieve ridge augmentation, the most widely used approaches combine an acellular graft material with guided bone regeneration. Recent advances in tissue banking make it possible to preserve mesenchymal stem cells and osteoprogenitor cells as part of an allogeneic cellular bone matrix that can further enhance the ability of the graft material to provide optimal results for ridge augmentation.
Case Presentation: This case report describes the clinical application and results of an allogenic bone matrix product retaining mesenchymal stem and osteoprogenitor cells for alveolar ridge augmentation before implant rehabilitation. The cellular bone matrix supported a radiographic gain of 4 to 6 mm in horizontal ridge width, permitting the placement of dental implants without secondary augmentation.
Conclusion: Cellular bone matrix appears to provide an important clinical alternative to acellular bone replacement grafts, particularly in light of its potential to achieve substantial gains in bone volume.