Vertical alveolar ridge expansion and simultaneous implant placement in posterior maxilla using segmental osteotomy: report of two cases.

Implant placement in vertically insufficient alveolar ridges of the posterior maxillae may require bone augmentation, such as sinus floor elevation, onlay grafting, and distraction osteogenesis. The purpose of this report is to evaluate the feasibility of vertical alveolar ridge expansion and simultaneous implant placement in the posterior maxilla using segmental osteotomy without sinus floor elevation, onlay grafting, and distraction osteogenesis. Two patients presenting with vertically insufficient alveolar ridges in the posterior maxillae were treated with the surgical procedure as follows. The edentulous ridge was split vertically using a segmental osteotomy before the preparation of an implant bed, and 1 implant body was placed simultaneously in the ridge with the vertical split. Three months later, abutments were connected and prosthetic loading of the implants was started. The follow-up was performed with the aid of dental and panoramic radiographs, evaluation of peri-implant probing depths, and Periotest values. In both patients, alveolar ridge expansion and implant placement were carried out without problems, good functional results were performed, and the clinical and radiologic findings were satisfactory. The outcome of the surgical procedure showed minimal invasion and good functional results.