Comparison between immediate vs. delayed lateral expansion technique to augment narrow alveolar ridges for placement of implants - A pilot study

Lateral augmentation of the jaw by the split expansion ridge technique. A critical review

Bone augmentation has become a routine procedure to enhance and/or repair a deficient or resorbed alveolar ridge for predictable and successful implant placement. The split expansion ridge i.e., the alveolar ridge splitting (ARS) procedure, is one of the less invasive procedures, and is characterized by minor morbidity. This would allow to widen narrow ridges in order to allow implant reconstruction in a sufficient bone volume. Its efficacy and long-term stability rely upon clinical opinions and long-term retrospective studies, while prospective comparative studies and randomized controlled trials are rare. This critical review presents the development of this technique, describes the surgical procedure, and provides technical notes and modifications. The learning curve and in-depth knowledge of the oral anatomy, as well as the recognition of incidence and management of complications are of utmost importance in the clinical application of the ARS procedure.

Autogenous Bone and Bioactive Glass around Implants Placed Simultaneously with Ridge Splitting for the Treatment of Horizontal Bony Defects: A Randomised Clinical Trial

Objective

To compare using autogenous bone with or without bioactive glass in ridge splitting of horizontal bone defects combined with simultaneous implant placement.

Materials and Methods

In control group, bone expansion was performed and autogenous bone was used to augment the intercortical bone defect. In study group, autogenous bone was mixed with bioactive glass (1 : 1 in volume). In both groups, the implants were inserted simultaneously with ridge splitting. Six months following implant insertion, bone width and height were evaluated. Statistical analysis utilizing paired Student's t-test was used for comparing results within the same group, whereas independent samples t-test was used for intergroup variables comparison.

Results

The mean bone width and labial and mesiodistal crestal bone height values were increased significantly in both groups from baseline to 6 months postoperatively. Comparing the two groups showed nonstatistical significant difference regarding the labial crestal bone loss, while the ridge width gain values were significantly higher in the study group than in the control group. The mesiodistal bone loss was significantly higher in control group than in study group.

Conclusion

Autogenous bone was mixed with bioactive glass (1 : 1 in volume) to fill intercortical defect created after ridge splitting to decrease peri-implant bone resorption associated with autogenous bone alone. This trial is registered with clinical trial registration: NCT04814160.