Comparison of alveolar ridge split operations performed with conventional and osseodensification techniques: A retrospective study

Aim: Dental implants are the most commonly used method for rehabilitating tooth loss today. Achieving complete and healthy integration of the implant with the bone tissue is essential for implant success. Primary stability values during implantation are crucial for ensuring this integration. The osseodensification technique is one of the most recent methods used to enhance stability. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of this technique by comparing it with conventional methods. Materials and Methods: This study was designed as a retrospective study and aims to evaluate dental implant operations performed following alveolar ridge split surgeries conducted between 30.07.2021-01.01.2023, at the Department of Periodontology, Faculty of Dentistry, Ordu University. The study included 268 implants placed in 65 patients who met the required criteria. The implants included in the study were divided into four groups based on the quadrants of the jaws where they were applied. The data used in the study (torque, ISQ, and bone gain) were obtained from patient records and radiological images. These values were categorized into two groups based on whether the expansion was performed using the osseodensification or conventional technique. Placement torque values were measured during the operation, while ISQ values were measured both during the operation and at the time of gingival former placement (3-4 months). Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images taken before and after the operation (4 months) were used to assess bone gain. Result: Based on the evaluations, no significant difference was found in torque values between alveolar ridge split operations performed using the osseodensification and conventional techniques. When comparing ISQ values, the osseodensification group showed higher ISQ values in the maxillary anterior, maxillary posterior, and mandibular posterior regions; however, no significant difference was observed in the mandibular anterior region. When bone gain was evaluated, no significant difference was observed between the two groups Conclusion: It has been observed that the osseodensification technique is a good option for enhancing primary stability in low-density bones. It can be concluded that this method is as successful as conventional techniques in increasing horizontal bone width in alveolar ridge split procedures and can be used reliably. In terms of implant stability, the osseodensification group demonstrated more successful outcomes compared to the conventional group. It was observed that the osseodensification technique positively contributes to implant stability in challenging cases, such as alveolar ridge split operations, where achieving sufficient primary stability is difficult. Keywords:Dental Implant, Osseodensification, Primary Stability, Bone Gain