Maxillary Ridge Split with Simultaneous Implant Placement – A Case Report

Inadequate alveolar ridge width often poses difficulty in implant placement. Such ridges require a combination of techniques in placing implants. One such technique is the ridge split technique which helps the expansion of the ridge with or without greenstick fracture of cortical plates. Before placing implants the width of the alveolar ridge can be effectively restored utilising the modified ridge splitting approach employing autologous bone grafts. This case report describes the ridge splitting and placement of a dental implant in the left maxillary central region followed by guided bone regeneration. Ridge expansion was done in relation to 21 and osteotomy was prepared to the desired depth. After proper treatment planning implant measuring 3.5 mm in diameter and 11.5 mm in length was placed. Four months later final cementation was done with PFM crown. The ridge split technique with the immediate implant placement resulted in minimal resorption of alveolar bone along with maximum expansion of the bone. The sequential surgical and restorative techniques were combined into one successful protocol whose steps are well elaborated in this case report.