Mandibular Bone Resorption Following Chin Augmentation: A Systematic Review

Abstract

BackgroundChin implants have a long history, and its usage may be associated with mandibular bone resorption.ObjectivesThis report analyzed data on this topic from existing literature to evaluate the overall resorption rate and scientific impact in terms of citations.MethodPubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases were searched to identify relevant publications. The search string was as follows: (chin) AND (augment* OR implant*) AND (resorb* OR resorp*) AND (bone OR osseous). A study was eligible if it recruited human subjects and reported resorption following any chin implantation based on radiographic examination.ResultsTwenty-eight patient studies were identified. Publication year seemed to have no effect on the mean depth of bone resorption and its prevalence as reported by the studies. The increased mean number of follow-up years seemed to have no effect on its prevalence but seem to be associated with deeper bone resorption. The majority of the studies had <5 years of follow-up and reported a mean of <2 mm of bone resorption. The most cited study had 69 citations. Citations rarely came from radiology journals. A limitation was that unpublished data could not be analyzed.ConclusionsMandibular bone resorption caused by chin implants of various materials is a common phenomenon. Its recognition and studies with a longer follow-up period should be further promoted.

A Curious Case Report: Should a Clinician Be Worried About Bone Resorption Under a Chin Augmentation Site?

“…There are potential possible sequelae that can occur due to the bone resorption in the chin area. Dentists are mainly concerned about the tooth vitality, tooth fracture and even the mandibular cortication fracture [ 18 ]. The other effects of chin resorption due to implant failure are reduction in the prominence of the chin and ultimately facial disfigurement [ 18 , 19 ].…”

“…Dentists are mainly concerned about the tooth vitality, tooth fracture and even the mandibular cortication fracture [ 18 ]. The other effects of chin resorption due to implant failure are reduction in the prominence of the chin and ultimately facial disfigurement [ 18 , 19 ]. If the bone resorption under the chin implant is noticed in the early stages and measures like correction of implant location or when necessary, removal of the implant, would significantly avoid the damage to the vital structures as well as avoid disfigurement of the face [ 20 ].…”