An Updated Decision Tree for Horizontal Ridge Augmentation: A Narrative Review

Area of Science:

• Dental Surgery
• Regenerative Medicine
• Implantology

Background:

• Horizontal ridge augmentation is crucial for dental implant placement.
• Numerous surgical options exist, often confusing clinicians.
• Ridge deficiency necessitates predictable bone regeneration strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide evidence-based guidelines for selecting horizontal ridge augmentation techniques.
• To develop a decision tree for predictable bone regeneration.
• To assist clinicians in choosing optimal surgical strategies based on bone gain requirements.

Main Methods:

• Extensive literature review on horizontal bone augmentation.
• Development of a clinical decision tree.
• Analysis of various materials and techniques for ridge width regeneration.

Main Results:

• A structured decision tree for technique selection was created.
• Guidelines are dependent on the amount of bone gain needed.
• The approach aims for predictable horizontal bone augmentation outcomes.

Conclusions:

• The decision tree simplifies the selection of horizontal augmentation procedures.
• Predictable outcomes in horizontal bone augmentation are achievable with guided technique selection.
• This resource aids clinicians in managing ridge deficiencies for implant dentistry.