Background and objectives: Vertical augmentation is necessary in cases of extensive resorption of alveolar ridge for dental implants placement and esthetic prosthetic rehabilitation. Several surgical techniques have been used to increase bone height including distraction osteogenesis, and particulate or block bone graft. This study was done to describe the evolution of "tentpole technique" and to review the literature related to this technique and thus evaluate its effectiveness to augment large vertical alveolar ridge defects for implant placement.
Material and methods: The evidence was obtained by PubMed and Google search using key words: tentpole technique, ridge resorption, and alveolar ridge augmentation . The years of search included from 2002 till 2013.
Results: The technique was described as effective on review of outcome of existing studies. It was found that considerable and stable increase in alveolar ridge height was achieved using tentpole technique.
Conclusions: Tenting of periosteum and soft tissue matrix maintains space and enhances the effectiveness of bone graft. This technique offers predictable functional and esthetic reconstruction of large vertical alveolar defects.
Keywords: Alveolar ridge augmentation; Ridge resorption; Tentpole technique.