Two-stage, Vascularized Ridge-split Procedure for Predictable, Long-term Treatment Outcomes (233)

Many clinicians have mastered the bone expansion technique to manage the lack of appropriate width of available alveolar bone for placement of dental implants. However, expanding the thick cortical plates predictably in mandibular arch has been a challenge. The ridge-split procedure has been proven to provide a predictable outcome, wherein an atrophic ridge is surgically split and expanded and either grafted with bone allograft or simultaneously placed dental implants. Following the N.I.R.I.S.A.B. philosophy, a novel approach to ridge-split procedure with simultaneous implant placement, while maintaining the vascularity of the alveolar bone will be explained. Criteria for case selection and two-stage surgical protocols with appropriate variations and modifications for predictable outcome will be discussed and several clinical cases will be presented. Also, a simplified technique to gain additional width of keratinized attached mucosa (gingiva) at the edentulous alveolar ridge will be presented. During the hands-on portion of the workshop, participants will perform both stages of the ridge-split procedure on a specially designed model.