Alveolar Ridge Expansion by Osseodensification-Mediated Plastic Deformation and Compaction Autografting: A...

Osseodensification preserves bone bulk, facilitates compaction autografting, and deforms trabecular bone in an outward strain, which result in alveolar ridge plastic expansion. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate ridge expansion after osseodensification.

Patients treated with implant placement through osseodensification were evaluated. The alveolar ridge width was measured at the level of the crest and 10 mm apical to the crest before and after osseodensification. Insertion torque and implant stability quotient (ISQ) values were recorded at implant placements. Expansion values were grouped into the following 3 groups according to the initial alveolar ridge width: group 1: 3 to 4 mm (n = 9), group 2: 5 to 6 mm (n = 12), and group 3: 7 to 8 mm (n = 7).

Twenty-one patients who received 28 implants were included. Twenty-six implants were integrated, resulting in a survival rate of 92.8%. There was a significant difference in the mean expansion value at the coronal aspect of the ridge between group 1, group 2, and group 3 (2.83 ± 0.66 mm, 1.5 ± 0.97 mm, 1.14 ± 0.89 mm, P < 0.05). The mean torque and ISQ values were 61.2 ± 13.9 Ncm and 77 ± 3.74.

Osseodensification can alter ridge dimensions and allow for ridge expansion. Greater expansion can be expected at the crest in narrow ridges with adequate trabecular bone volume.