Aim: This study aimed to compare the Osseodensification protocol and the conventional alveolar ridge widening technique regarding comfort and efficiency in gaining alveolar ridge width in patients suffering from maxillary horizontal alveolar bone loss.
Materials and methods: This study was conducted on 18 cases suffering maxillary horizontal alveolar ridge width deficiency and seeking dental implant placement. Patients were equally divided into two groups. The first group (study group) in which Osseo-densification protocol was applied using Densah burs. The second group (control group) in which conventional ridge widening technique was done using manual hand driven osteotomes.
Results: The overall Bone width gain was higher in the osseodensification group. However, there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups. The average clinical bone width gain was 2.12±0.40mm for the osseodensification group, and 1.87±0.35mm for the osteotome group. Moreover, the radiographic average bone width gain was 2.10±0.42mm and 1.59±0.63mm for the osseodensification and hand osteotome groups respectively. Both groups allowed for immediate dental implant fixture insertion at the expanded osteotomy site. The mean ISQ measurements via Osstell device were 82.17±8.28 and 81.61±7.36 for the osseodensification group and the osteotome group respectively. The average amount of pain was not significantly different between the two groups. An average time of 29.22±6.16 minutes was required to completely perform the osseodensification procedure, while the hand osteotome technique needed an average of 32.22±5.07 minutes.
Conclusion: Osseodensification is an efficient alveolar ridge widening surgical technique that can be used for immediate implant in horizontally deficient maxillary alveolar ridges.