PURPOSE: This retrospective clinical study aims to evaluate complications after augmentation of localized bone defects of the alveolar ridge.

METHODS: From standardized registrations, the following complications related to bone augmentation procedures were recorded: soft tissue dehiscence, infection, sensory disturbance, additional augmentation procedures needed, and early implant failure.

RESULTS: A total of 223 patients (132 women, 91 men; mean age 23.5 years; range 17-65 years) with 331 bone defects had bone augmentation performed into which 350 implants were placed. Soft tissue dehiscence occurred in 1.7 % after GBR procedures, 25.9 % after staged horizontal ridge augmentation, and 18.2 % after staged vertical ridge augmentation. Infections were diagnosed in 2 % after GBR procedures, 12.5 % after sinus floor elevation (SFE) (transcrestal technique), 5 % after staged SFE, 11 % after staged horizontal ridge augmentation, and 9 % after staged vertical ridge augmentation. Additional augmentation procedures were needed in 2 % after GBR procedures, 37 % after staged horizontal ridge augmentation, and 9 % after staged vertical ridge augmentation. A total of six early implant failures occurred (1.7 %), four after GBR procedures (1.6 %), and two (12 %) after staged vertical ridge augmentation.

CONCLUSIONS: Predictable methods exist to augment localized defects in the alveolar ridge, as documented by low complication rates and high early implant survival rates.