Osseodensification for Narrow Alveolar Ridge Expansion

Overview

This prospective, single-arm, non-randomized interventional clinical study was designed to evaluate the immediate horizontal dimensional change in narrow alveolar ridges following osseodensification-assisted dental implant-site preparation. Eligible participants with healed edentulous sites in the maxilla or mandible underwent implant-site preparation using osseodensification burs operated in densifying mode. Alveolar ridge width was measured directly using standardized Micro Castroviejo bone calipers at three predefined levels: the crestal level and 5 mm and 10 mm apical to the crest. Measurements were obtained immediately before and immediately after osseodensification-assisted osteotomy preparation. The primary outcome was the within-site change in alveolar ridge width at the three measurement levels. Additional assessments included insertion torque at implant placement and recorded postoperative complications. The study included a single treatment group and did not include a conventional-drilling or alternative ridge-expansion comparison group

This study used a prospective, single-arm, non-randomized interventional design to assess immediate alveolar ridge-width changes following osseodensification-assisted implant-site preparation. Eligible adult participants had healed edentulous sites requiring dental implant placement and presented with limited horizontal alveolar ridge width. Implant sites were located in either the maxilla or mandible and included anterior and posterior regions. Preoperative CBCT examination was performed for implant planning and assessment of ridge dimensions. During surgery, local anesthesia was administered and a full-thickness mucoperiosteal flap was reflected. Baseline ridge width was measured directly using standardized Micro Castroviejo bone calipers at the crestal level and at 5 mm and 10 mm apical to the crest. Implant-site preparation began with a pilot drill, followed by sequential osseodensification burs operated in counterclockwise densifying mode under copious irrigation. After completion of the osteotomy and before implant insertion, ridge-width measurements were repeated at the same predefined reference levels. The primary assessment was the within-site difference between the post-osseodensification and baseline clinical measurements at each level. Dental implants were subsequently placed, and primary mechanical stability was assessed using insertion torque. Postoperative events were recorded during the scheduled follow-up period. Some participants contributed more than one implant site. Enrollment therefore refers to the number of participants, whereas ridge-width and implant-related measurements were recorded at the implant-site level.