EVALUATION OF PIEZO-ASSISTED RIDGE SPLITTING USING OSSEODENSIFICATION DRILLS IN NARROW ANTERIOR MAXILLA WITH SIMULTANEOUS IMPLANT PLACEMENT (CLINICAL TRIAL)

BACKGROUND: One of the most effective methods for horizontal bone augmentation, particularly in the maxilla, is the alveolar ridge splitting technique. But it is a highly sensitive technique that requires some experience, so using a piezoelectric device for ridge splitting provides high accuracy with fewer complications. AIM OF THE STUDY: This study aimed to assess maxillary anterior ridge splitting using piezotome and osseodensification drills with immediate implant placement. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Eight patients (12 dental implants) with a narrow anterior maxillary ridge without an undercut participated in this clinical study. They were given the assignment of ridge splitting in the anterior segment of the maxilla along with simultaneous implant insertion. Clinical evaluation was done to determine implant stability, postoperative edema and the incidence of intra-or postoperative complications. Radiographic evaluation (CBCT), which uses on-demand software to determine bone density surrounding the implant and bone width gain at the crest of the bone, was done. Clinical and radiographic follow up were done over 6 months. RESULTS: All patients had uneventful wound healing, with the exception of one who had a malformed split and another who had a slight infection that was treated conservatively. Six months postoperatively, bone width was 17.56±10.75% wider than preoperatively, with a statistically significant difference (P value = 0.007*). After six months, there was a 40.56±10.86% increase in bone density, with a statistically significant difference (P value = 0.013*). CONCLUSION: Alveolar ridge splitting using piezotome and osseodensification drills with immediate implant placement appears to be efficient in the treatment of narrow anterior maxillary ridges with less time-consuming.