Ridge split technique with simultaneous implant placement in horizontally resorbed maxillary alveolar ridge: a case report

Narrow alveolar ridges remain a serious challenge for successful placement of endosseous implants. To overcome such clinical presentation in 1970s, ridge splitting or bone spreading procedure was introduced by Hilt Tatum. Ridge split procedures are commonly performed for horizontal augmentation of narrow ridges which would otherwise preclude implant placement. Maxillary bone has inherent quality of flexibility which can bemoulded to desire location by using series of instrument namely chisels and osteotome.
This article describes a case report with management of bucco palatal ridge defect with ridge splitting using a piezosurgical unit and expansion osteotomy technique using chisel and mallet in maxillary esthetic zone.