Prosthetic Rehabilitation of Narrow Mandibular Ridge by Two-Stage Split Technique: A Case Report

Subsequent to dental extraction, residual ridge resorption manifests as an inherent biological process unfolding over an approximate duration of one year. This intrinsic phenomenon entails a substantial diminution, occasionally reaching 50%, in the initial bucco-lingual dimensions of the mandibular bone. To address this issue, a dental procedure known as the two-stage ridge split intervention is employed. This process involves two distinct stages: ridge splitting and extension. In the first stage, the dentist splits the alveolar crest to create a widening gap. This allows for the subsequent placement of dental implants. The splitting process is carefully executed to ensure that there's enough space for the implants to be securely embedded, and in the second stage, the widened gap generated through the split and extension of the alveolar crest is replenished with a suitable material. Two common options are hydroxyapatite, a synthetic bone-like substance that promotes bone regeneration, or autogenous bone grafts, which are harvested from the patient's bone, often from another site within the mouth. Following this two-stage procedure, the next step is to place dental implants. However, there's typically a waiting period of eight to 12 weeks. This interval allows for proper healing and integration of the grafted or filled material with the existing bone before the implants are installed. In this case report, a specific patient's experience with the two-stage ridge split procedure in the mandibular region is mentioned. Such case studies are valuable in assessing the success and viability of this dental intervention in narrow mandibular-width cases.