Horizontal Augmentation via Ridge Splitting and Expansion for Implant Placement in Atrophic Sites: A Prospective...

Area of Science:

• Dental Implantology
• Oral Surgery
• Biomaterials Engineering

Background:

• Atrophic edentulous sites present challenges for dental implant placement due to insufficient bone width.
• Horizontal ridge augmentation is crucial for achieving optimal implant stability and esthetics.
• Conventional drilling techniques may have limitations in severe bone deficiencies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of the alveolar ridge split and expansion (ARSE) technique using piezoelectric surgery (PES) and screw expanders for horizontal ridge augmentation.
• To compare the outcomes of ARSE with PES and screw expanders against the conventional drilling technique.
• To assess the impact of these techniques on tissue and implant health, including inflammatory markers and patient-reported pain.

Main Methods:

• A comparative study involving 36 edentulous sites divided into three groups: conventional drilling, ARSE with PES, and ARSE with screw expanders.
• Ridge width was measured pre- and post-expansion at two depths.
• Implant stability quotient (ISQ), insertion torque (IT), TNF-α levels, pain, and soft tissue parameters were recorded postoperatively.

Main Results:

• Statistically significant increases in ridge width were observed in both ARSE groups (PES and screw expanders) compared to pre-expansion measurements.
• No significant differences in ridge width changes were found between the PES and screw expander groups.
• Implant stability quotient (ISQ) and insertion torque (IT) showed no significant differences between the conventional drilling and ARSE groups.

Conclusions:

• The ARSE technique, utilizing piezoelectric surgery or screw expanders, is an effective and predictable method for horizontal ridge augmentation.
• Simultaneous implant placement is feasible with ARSE in sites with moderate to severe ridge deficiency.
• Careful case selection and technique application are essential for achieving predictable outcomes in ridge augmentation procedures.