Staged Ridge Split Procedure in the Management of Horizontal Ridge Deficiency Utilizing Piezosurgery

Edentulism is an incapacitating and irretrievable condition which can lead unswervingly to functional limitation, physical, psychological and social handicap. Maintenance of bone after tooth loss to improve retention, function, and performance of the restoration is a challenging task. The existence of a thin edentulous ridge signifies a clinical situation that is more complex for the placement of endosseous implants. Dental rehabilitation of the edentulous ridges with oral implants has become a routine treatment modality in the last few decades with consistent long term results.

A staged ridge spilt procedure was performed in the maxillary posterior edentulous region employing piezosurgery for the augmentation of horizontal ridge deficiency which was followed by the successful placement of implant supported prosthesis.

At the 20 months follow-up, stable results were appreciated with minimal bone loss around the implants.

This proficient technique precludes the need for a second surgical site for the procurement of graft which in turn decreases patient discomfort. Hence this procedure can be used as an alternative to other strenuous procedures.