Tunnel access for ridge augmentation: A review

In traditional bone regeneration, the periosteal layer of the flap must be released to achieve tension-free primary wound closure. Several minimally invasive tunnel techniques have been introduced to augment bone volume for prosthetic driven implant placement, thus minimizing tissue trauma and patient morbidity. The aim of this literature review was to analyze the available literature on ridge augmentation with a lateral tunnel access approach, and to report the surgical protocols, materials, advantages, indications for use, disadvantages, and complications. The Medline and PubMed medical databases were searched for reports published between 2005 and March of 2021. Seventeen articles describing minimally invasive tunnel techniques for ridge augmentation were identified. Preservation of the integrity of the periosteum has been found to be the determining factor in reducing postoperative pain and improving wound vascularization. Studies have reported encouraging data on the bone volume obtained for implant-prosthetic rehabilitation.