Dental implants placed in thin maxilla expanded using a modified bone-splitting procedure: Case series

ObjectiveThe purpose of this article is to describe implant placement in the maxilla using a modified bone-splitting procedure and also report the postoperative condition of the alveolar ridge after 2 years.Patients and methodsSix patients with a maxillary ridge considered too narrow for implant placement were selected and immediate placement of eight implants was performed using a modified bone-splitting procedure. Clinical measurements for biometric analysis of alveolar ridge width were recorded with calipers at stage-one and stage-two surgery. Sequential changes in marginal bone levels around the implants and adjacent teeth were assessed radiographically.ResultsNo major complications developed in any of the cases, and no post-insertion failures were reported. Biometrical evaluation at placement sites showed a mean gain in bone width of 2.0 mm and intraoral radiographs after 2 years of loading revealed a mean bone loss of 2.3 mm.ConclusionThe bone-splitting procedure is viable for horizontal bone augmentation in an atrophic anterior maxilla. However, the present results suggest that this procedure has clinical limitations and potential prognostic risks.