Fig. 1

Lateral ridge augmentation—a surgical procedure in the AB and TR groups. a The retromolar area served as a donor site for the harvesting of monocortical bone blocks in the AB group. b AB blocks were shaped to match the size and configuration of the defect site and fixed using one central osteosynthesis screw. c TR grafts were separated from either partially/fully retained or impacted wisdom teeth. d The most suitable specimen was positioned and fixed in a way that the exposed dentin faced the defect area, thus facilitating ankylosis at the recipient site. The crestal perforations were derived from initial attempts to pre-drill the osteosynthesis screw. All sites were left to heal in a submerged position without providing any contour augmentation procedures