This analysis was based on the radiographic (i.e., cone-beam computed tomographic—CBCT) data derived from a prospective controlled clinical monocenter study including a total of 30 patients [9]. Each participant exhibited either a tooth gap or a free-end situation with an inadequate horizontal ridge width and was in need of an implant-supported fixed restoration.

In brief, lateral ridge augmentation was conducted according to a standardized procedure under local anesthesia [8].

One group of patients (n = 15; mean age 41.93 years; range 19 to 60 years) exhibited either one or more caries-free partially/fully retained or impacted wisdom teeth without signs of local pathologies (e.g., cysts). TR grafts were separated (i.e., crown decapitation, vertical separation of multi-rooted teeth, preservation of the exposed pulp) from the extracted/surgically removed teeth and adapted in size and shape to match the defect area. At the respective downward aspect of the TR graft, the layer of cementum was carefully removed using a diamond bur to facilitate ankylosis at the recipient site [4].

Due to the absence of any suitable wisdom teeth, another group of patients (n = 15; mean age 44.53 years; range 21 to 60 years) was allocated to the harvesting of monocortical block grafts from the linea obliqua. Both TR and AB grafts were rigidly fixed using one to two titanium osteosynthesis screws (1.5 × 9 mm, Medicon, Tuttlingen, Germany) after gently flattening the recipient site using a round carbide bur underwater (i.e., sterile saline) cooling.

Advancement of the mucoperiosteal flaps was achieved using periosteal-releasing incisions. The coronally repositioned flaps were fixed using vertical double sutures to allow for a submerged healing period of 26 weeks (Fig. 1).

All patients had received a perioperative antibiotic (1× amoxicillin 2 g) as well as a peri- and postoperative (2 days) antiphlogistic prophylaxis (prednisolon, total of 40 mg). Analgetics (ibuprofen 600 mg) were provided according to individual needs.

The study outline and the follow-up visits are summarized in Table 1 [9].