Optimizing Alveolar Ridge Expansion

This clinical trial aims to evaluate and compare two innovative techniques used to widen narrow jawbone areas (alveolar ridges) in preparation for dental implants. In many patients, the bone in the jaw may be too thin to support dental implants without additional procedures. Traditionally, this problem has been addressed using more invasive surgical methods that can involve bone grafting and extended healing times.

The two techniques being studied are:

Magneto-Dynamic Ridge Splitting (Magnetic Mallet) - This method uses gentle electromagnetic impulses to gradually split and expand the bone. The technique is minimally traumatic, preserves the outer bone layer (cortical bone), and may promote better healing and stability for implants.

Osseodensification (Versah Drills) - This technique uses specially designed rotating drills (Densah burs) that do not remove bone but instead compact it outward, increasing its density. This approach is designed to strengthen the implant site and improve how well the implant integrates with the bone.

The study is a randomized controlled clinical trial conducted at Hawler Medical University. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of the two groups. Both groups will receive immediate implant placement following the ridge expansion procedure, using the same implant system (ROOTT Implants).

Key outcomes to be measured include:

Changes in bone width (buccolingual ridge dimension) using Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) before and 4 months after surgery.

Implant Stability Quotient (ISQ) values recorded at the time of implant placement and again during the second-stage surgery using a non-invasive resonance frequency analysis device (Osstell).

Soft tissue changes, such as thickness and volume around the implant site, using intraoral scanning technology.

The trial will also monitor patient comfort, healing, and potential complications in each group. By directly comparing these two methods, the researchers hope to determine which approach provides better clinical outcomes in terms of bone preservation, implant stability, and soft tissue health. The results may help establish a new standard in minimally invasive implant site preparation techniques and guide oral surgeons and implantologists in choosing the most effective ridge expansion strategy for their patients.

This study will be conducted in accordance with ethical standards, and all participants will be asked to provide informed consent prior to joining the trial.

Inclusion criteria

• Adults aged 18 to 70 years.
• Partially edentulous patients requiring ridge expansion prior to dental implant placement.
• Alveolar ridge width between 4 mm and 6 mm as measured on CBCT.
• Sufficient vertical bone height for implant placement without the need for vertical augmentation.
• Adequate oral hygiene and commitment to postoperative care and follow-up visits.
• Signed informed consent form.

Exclusion criteria

• Presence of systemic conditions contraindicating oral surgery (e.g., uncontrolled diabetes, immune-compromised status).
• History of bisphosphonate therapy or radiation therapy to the head and neck region.
• Active periodontal disease or untreated oral infections.
• Heavy smokers (more than 10 cigarettes per day).
• Pregnant or breastfeeding women.
• History of substance abuse or psychiatric disorders that could impair compliance with study protocol.