Alveolar ridge split and expansion with simultaneous implant placement in mandibular posterior sites using motorized ridge expanders – modified treatment protocol

PURPOSE: “The purpose of the study is to evaluate alveolar ridge split and expansion (ARSE) with simultaneous implant placement in mandibular posterior implant sites using motorized ridge expanders.” BACKGROUND: The ARSE is used in the management of horizontally deficient (narrow) alveolar ridge with optimum bone height available. The ARSE procedure in the posterior mandible has limited application as per literature. The successful cases reported are with extensive procedure of the osteo-mobilization with four corticotomies on buccal side. The authors presented the study of mandibular posterior implant sites using motorized ridge expanders. The ARSE performed here was by only crestal osteotomy simple osteo-condensation and immediate implant insertion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was prospective type. The sample size was 15 patients and 31 implant sites. The study population included partially edentulous patients between 18 years and 60 years indicated for implant-supported prosthesis. The outcome variables studied included gain in ridge width, cervical bone loss, success of implant, and survival rate. Successful surgical outcome was evaluated by Buser's criteria. The data collected was evaluated by differential statistics. CONCLUSION: The minimally invasive technique of one-stage ARSE performed with motorized ridge expander and insertion of implant in the same operative procedure decreases the morbidity, treatment time, number of surgical procedures, and the risk of complications, thereby, increasing patient acceptance. In this study, the authors have used this technique in the posterior mandible for narrow ridges (minimum 3 mm) and obtained promising results. The survival rate of the implants was 100% and the gain in ridge width was 3.2 mm. The author has also recommended the protocol according to bone density of mandible.