A Modified Ridge Splitting Technique Using Autogenous Bone Blocks-A Case Series.

BACKGROUND

Alveolar atrophy following tooth loss is a common limitation of rehabilitation with dental implant born prostheses. Ridge splitting is a well-documented surgical method to restore the width of the alveolar ridge prior to implant placement. The aim of this case series is to present a novel approach to ridge expansion using only autogenous bone blocks. Methods Patients with Kennedy Class I. and II. mandibles with insufficient bone width were included in this study. Ridge splitting was carried out with the use of a piezoelectric surgery device by preparing osteotomies and after mobilization of the buccal cortical by placing an autologous bone block harvested from the retromolar region as a spacer between the buccal and lingual cortical plates. Block-grafts were stabilized by osteosynthesis screws. Implant placement was carried out after a 3-month healing period. A total of 13 implants were placed in seven augmented sites of six patients.

RESULTS

Upon re-entry, all sites healed uneventfully. Mean ridge width gain was 2.86 mm, range: 2.0-5.0 mm.

CONCLUSIONS

Clinical results of our study show that the modified ridge splitting technique is a safe and predictable method to restore width of the alveolar ridge prior to implant placement.