Retrospective Radiographic Evaluation of Ridge Dimensional Changes After Vertical Augmentation Using the Novel...

Area of Science:

• Dental Implantology
• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Regenerative Medicine

Background:

• Severe alveolar bone resorption presents challenges for dental reconstruction.
• Conventional ridge augmentation often requires multiple surgeries and long healing times.
• A simplified, efficient approach is needed for advanced ridge augmentation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of a wide-head tent-pole screw (WHTPS) in advanced alveolar ridge augmentation.
• To assess the procedural efficiency and predictability of the WHTPS technique.
• To determine the impact of WHTPS on graft stability and bone regeneration.

Main Methods:

• A clinical study involving 13 patients with severe vertical bone defects (≥5 mm).
• Placement of a single WHTPS followed by bone grafting and membrane coverage.
• Radiographic and clinical monitoring for an average of 14.9 months post-surgery.

Main Results:

• Immediate average vertical bone gain of 8.86 mm.
• Average bone resorption of 1.49 mm (17.79%) during the follow-up period.
• WHTPS demonstrated effective graft stabilization.

Conclusions:

• A single WHTPS can effectively stabilize bone graft material in severe alveolar bone loss.
• The technique shows potential for preventing graft resorption and displacement.
• Further clinical research is warranted to confirm long-term effectiveness.