Alveolar Ridge Splitting with Simultaneous Implant Placement in Narrow Atrophic Ridges: A Case Series

Objectives: Implant placement in atrophic ridges with severe horizontal bone deficiency without adequate bony housing around the defects remains a significant clinical challenge. The aim of this case series is to evaluate the effectiveness of alveolar ridge splitting (ARS) with simultaneous implant placement. Materials and Methods: Four patients with severe horizontal bone deficiency in atrophic ridges received ARS with simultaneous implant placement. The stability of the widened ridges was evaluated by superimposition of initial and postoperative CBCT images. The ridge thickness at baseline (RT0) and at least 6-month postoperation (RT1), as well as horizontal bone gain (HBG), were measured with the reference of implant platform. Results: All 7 implant sites healed uneventfully without complications. The mean RT0 was 3.84 ± 0.56 mm at baseline; the mean RT1 was 7.61 ± 0.96 mm at least 6-month postoperatively, with the mean HBG of 3.77 ± 0.80 mm. The results demonstrated significant HBG and sufficient bone thickness around implants after ARS with simultaneous implant placement in all cases. Conclusion: The ARS technique with simultaneous implant placement is an effective and predictable treatment modality to augment ridge width significantly for narrow atrophic ridges without adequate bony housing.