Split Crest Procedure: Is It Necessary to Fill the Gap?

Vladimir Biocanin

Status

Completed

Conditions

Bone Expansion

Alveolar Bone Resorption

Alveolar Bone Grafting

Treatments

Procedure: Split Crest Technique

Study type

Interventional

Funder types

Other

Identifiers

NCT07272694

SC-DENTIN-2024-01

Details and patient eligibility

About

This prospective controlled clinical study evaluates the effectiveness of adding bone graft or dentin graft material during the split crest (alveolar ridge splitting) procedure for horizontal ridge augmentation with simultaneous implant placement.

The study includes patients with narrow alveolar ridges requiring implant-supported rehabilitation. Participants are divided into three groups: split crest without grafting, split crest with bone graft, and split crest with dentin graft. The aim is to determine whether the addition of graft material to the osteotomy gap improves bone width, bone density, and primary implant stability compared to the split crest technique alone.

Clinical and radiographic assessments are performed using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and implant stability measurements (ISQ values) before surgery, immediately after implant placement, and three months postoperatively. All patients are monitored over a one-year follow-up period to evaluate healing progression and treatment outcomes.

This study seeks to identify the most effective approach for horizontal ridge augmentation and to improve clinical decision-making in implant dentistry. The findings aim to contribute to optimizing surgical protocols, enhancing implant stability, and improving long-term functional outcomes for patients.

Participation is voluntary, and all procedures are conducted in accordance with approved ethical standards and clinical guidelines.

Enrollment

24 patients

Sex

All

Volunteers

No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

Adult patients aged 18-65 years
Indication for tooth extraction in posterior mandibular region with planned implant placement
Presence of post-extraction alveolar bone defect requiring ridge preservation procedure
Good general health (ASA I or ASA II)
Ability to understand the study procedures and provide written informed consent
Willingness to comply with scheduled follow-up visits and study protocol

Exclusion criteria

Systemic diseases affecting bone healing (e.g. uncontrolled diabetes, osteoporosis, metabolic bone disorders)
History of radiotherapy in the head and neck region
Use of bisphosphonates or other antiresorptive medications
Active periodontal or periapical infection at the surgical site
Heavy smokers (>10 cigarettes per day)
Pregnancy or breastfeeding
Known allergies to materials used in the study
Poor oral hygiene or lack of complianc