Introduction: Implant placement in the posterior mandible is sometimes problematic due to loss of horizontal bone width after extraction of posterior teeth. With simultaneous implant placement, the Magnetic Mallet can be used in horizontal bone compaction and expansion.
Objectives: To clinically and radiographically evaluate bone width change using the magnetic mallet for ridge splitting of the narrow posterior mandibular ridge. The secondary aim was to radiographically evaluate bone density change using the magnetic mallet for ridge splitting of the narrow posterior mandibular ridge and the implant stability.
Materials and methods: Ten patients with narrow posterior mandibular edentulous ridges underwent ridge splitting using the magnetic mallet and osseodensification with simultaneous implant placement. The assessment comprised a cone beam computed tomography analysis of bone width and bone density change at two weeks, 4, and 6 months postoperatively. Also, implant stability was measured using Osstell.
Results: The mean bone density preoperatively (480.73±119.38 HU) increased significantly six months after ridge splitting and osseodensification (697.89±86.90 HU). Implant stability also significantly increased at four months postoperatively (62.50±2.64) than immediate postoperative (52.40±3.63) (p < .001). Bone width showed a significant increase at six months postoperatively (10.34±0.78 mm) when compared with preoperative (8.45±0.84 mm) (p < .001).
Conclusion:
The magnetic mallet is an effective and minimally invasive method for ridge splitting of the narrow posterior mandibular ridge with simultaneous implant placement. In addition, the technique is believed to be safe and less time-consuming, eliminating the costs and need for bone grafting and saving time, hence no need for a second surgery.