Managing Atrophic Thin Crest by Ridge Splitting Technique before Implant Placement

Abstract

Critical alveolar ridge defects can result from several causes. Ridge expansion is a technique that aims to increase the width of the bone crest. A male patient presented an edentulous segment which leads to be careful concerning the adjacent teeth. Through this case report, the used technique was explained with all steps and was combined with guided bone regeneration (GBR). The particularity of this case was the membrane exposure during the healing period before placing the crowns, resulting in bone resorption. This resorption was stable after restauration and follow-up. Ridge split is indicated in cases where the width of the ridge is at least 3.5 mm. The procedure demonstrated a safe and predictable alternative for implant placement in a knife-edge ridge, with a high survival rate of ridge expansion. The patient presented good healing at the follow-up with a little resorption that remained stable in time after crown placing.