Piezoelectric-Alveolar Ridge Splitting: A Successful Modality Reducing Crestal Bone Loss around Dental Implants and Enhancing Implant Secondary Stability

Aim: This study was performed to compare two different modalities of alveolar ridge splitting performed simultaneously with dental implant placement regarding the alveolar crestal bone changes and implant stability
Subjects and methods: 12 patients were included in this study. Group 1 (6 patients, 12 implant) while Group 2 (6 patients, 10 implants). Single surgery was performed to each patient involving alveolar ridge splitting, expansion and simultaneous implant (or implants) placement. Ridge splitting in group 1 was performed using the piezoelectric surgery and in group 2 using the traditional surgical disc, while the alveolar ridge expansion and implant placement were performed using the same procedures for both groups. Marginal bone loss on the buccal and lingual aspects of the implant was evaluated 4 months after implant insertion using the CBCT. The implant stability ISQ values were measured immediately after implant insertion and 4 months after the surgery during the prosthetic steps by the Ostell.
Results: Post treatment, a higher mean percent resorption in marginal bone was recorded in traditional surgical disc group with an extremely significant difference between groups. Also, a higher mean percent increase in ISQ2 was recorded in piezo- electric surgery group with an extremely significant difference between groups.
Conclusion: Piezoelectric ridge splitting is accompanied with decreased postoperative marginal bone loss and enhanced secondary ISQ compared to traditional surgical disc splitting.