Effectiveness of using implant fixture as a ridge expander.

Abstract

Objectives: Adequate bone thickness around dental implants is vital for their stability and to reduce resorption. This study evaluated the ability of implant fixtures to serve as ridge expanders by measuring width changes pre- and post-implantation.

Materials and methods: Measurements including initial alveolar bone width, post-osteotomy width, post-expansion width, and buccal bone thickness were recorded for patients undergoing implant placement. Bone quality was assessed using established criteria.

Results: Of the 102 subjects (52% male, 48% female), significant ridge width increases at 0 mm and 2 mm levels were noted (p < 0.05). Larger implant diameters resulted in greater ridge expansion. Absence of prior augmentation was linked to higher bone quality (B = -1.684, p = 0.001), explaining 15% of bone quality variance. Ridge expansion effects also correlated with the site, implant diameter, and design.

Conclusions: Dental implant fixtures can effectively expand the ridge, with expansion influenced by implant diameter, anatomical location, prior augmentation, and implant design. These factors must be considered for tailored treatment planning in implant dentistry.

Clinical relevance: This study's clinical relevance lies in its exploration of the potential benefits of dental implant fixtures can effectively to expand the ridge taking into consideration implant diameter, anatomical location, prior augmentation, and implant design.