Conventional Versus Osseodensification Drilling in the Narrow Alveolar Ridge: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial

Background Conventionally, undersized osteotomies were used to increase initial bone-to-implant contact to achieve primary stability in implantology. This is particularly evident in regions with low bone density. The potential for severe bone compression and ischemia poses a challenge to secondary stability. Instead, lateral bone compaction is caused by the idea of osseodensification. Research on the potential benefits of this method for narrow ridges is lacking. This study aimed to determine if the osseodensification drilling technique affects primary stability and how much the alveolar ridge expands following implant site preparation. Methodology A total of 30 participants aged 20 to 80 years were included in this randomized controlled clinical investigation. Each participant was randomly assigned to one of the following two groups: one that received standard drill preparation, and another that received osseodensification drill preparation. Implant stability using implant stability quotient values, crest width, apical width (5 mm from crest), and bone density were assessed both before and after six months using cone-beam computed tomography. Results Osseodensification impacted the width at the apex (5 mm from the crest) and radiographic bone density, adding to the quality, but did not affect implant stability and crestal width after osseointegration. The mean difference in conventional and osseodensification groups was 0.46 and 0.68 mm, respectively, concerning the crestal width. Moreover, the mean difference was 0.74 and 0.58 mm for conventional and osseodensification groups, respectively, concerning the width at the apex (5 mm from the crest). Conclusions This study demonstrates that the osseodensification process increased both the radiographic bone density and the width at the apex, demonstrating that osseodensification drilling techniques allow for the placement of implants with larger diameters in narrow alveolar ridges.