Minimal invasive horizontal ridge augmentation using subperiosteal tunneling technique

Area of Science:

• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Periodontology
• Dental Implantology

Background:

• Alveolar bone deficiency presents a challenge for dental implant placement.
• The minimal invasive horizontal ridge augmentation (MIHRA) technique, utilizing a small incision and subperiosteal tunneling, aims to address this deficiency.
• Evaluating the long-term prognosis of MIHRA is crucial for its clinical application.

Purpose of the Study:

• To retrospectively assess the clinical prognosis of the MIHRA technique for dental implants.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of bone grafting using a U-shaped incision and tunneling technique in partially edentulous patients.
• To analyze crestal bone loss and changes in alveolar bone width post-augmentation.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective evaluation of 25 partially edentulous patients receiving bone grafts for implant installation.
• Utilized a U-shaped incision and subperiosteal tunneling technique for bone grafting.
• Radiographic examinations (panoramic, periapical, 3D-CT) and clinical observation recorded outcomes, including implant survival, complications, crestal bone loss, and alveolar bone width changes.

Main Results:

• Out of 39 implants placed, 97.4% survived, with minimal postoperative complications (minor infections, one buccal fenestration).
• Mean crestal bone loss around implants was 0.03 mm one year post-restoration, indicating adequate stability.
• 3D-CT analysis showed an increase in alveolar bone width by 4.32 mm, with a bone graft resorption rate of 18.29% over two years.

Conclusions:

• The MIHRA technique, employing a U-shaped incision and tunneling, demonstrates a favorable prognosis for dental implants.
• This bone grafting method results in few complications and adequate bone augmentation for implant support.
• The retained bone graft material contributes to successful long-term implant outcomes.