National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) Dental Hygienist Practice Test

Where does the bone for a bone augmentation typically come from in an implantation procedure?

1. Tibia

2. Radius

3. Chin or Ramus

4. Hip

The correct answer is: Chin or Ramus

Bone for augmentation in implantation procedures is often harvested from the chin or ramus area of the mandible. This site is preferred due to several factors. The chin provides ample amounts of dense cortical bone, which is advantageous for creating a solid foundation for implants. Additionally, using bone from the mandible minimizes complications related to harvesting from other sites, such as longer recovery times or increased risk of morbidity. Furthermore, the anatomical location of the chin or ramus allows for easier access during the procedure, and bone collected from this area often grafts well to the site needing augmentation without compromising the overall structure or function of the jaw. The consideration of patient comfort and recovery time also plays a significant role in why practitioners favor this source compared to other areas of the body, such as the hip or radius, which may be more invasive and involve longer healing processes.