Osseodensification for Narrow Alveolar Ridge Expansion

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.

Inclusion criteria

• Adults aged 18 years or older and within the upper age limit specified in the final ethics-approved protocol.
• Healed edentulous sites involving single or multiple missing teeth in the maxillary or mandibular arches.
• A post-extraction healing period of at least 6 months before implant placement.
• Adequate vertical bone dimensions for dental implant placement, as assessed using CBCT.
• Absence of active local infection or pathological lesions at the proposed implant site.
• Clinical suitability for dental implant placement and osseodensification-assisted osteotomy preparation.
• Ability and willingness to provide informed consent and attend the scheduled follow-up visits.
• Maintenance of acceptable oral hygiene.
• Alveolar ridge width of ≤8 mm at the crestal level, measured buccolingually, and considered to require horizontal expansion during implant-site preparation.
• Implant sites classified as Misch D1-D4 according to the protocol-specified bone-quality assessment.

Exclusion criteria

• Acute or chronic infection or a pathological condition at the proposed implant site.
• Severe buccal plate undercut or ridge concavity that precluded safe implant-site preparation.
• Insufficient vertical bone height for the planned dental implant.
• Inadequate interarch distance for implant-supported rehabilitation.
• Severe parafunctional habits, including clinically significant bruxism or clenching.
• Heavy smoking, defined as more than 10 cigarettes per day.
• Use of medications considered likely to compromise bone healing according to the approved protocol, including relevant corticosteroid or antiresorptive therapy.
• Uncontrolled systemic disease or a medical condition that could materially affect surgical healing or implant treatment.
• History of radiotherapy to the head and neck or chemotherapy within the preceding 5 years.
• Current pregnancy at the time of the surgical procedure.
• Inability or unwillingness to provide informed consent or attend the required follow-up visits