Novel Double Expansion Technique (Khalifah's Technique) Versus Ridge Splitting in Immediate Implant Placement in Narrow Ridges: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

PURPOSE: To present and compare the novel double expansion technique (DET) (Khalifah's technique) and the ridge splitting technique (RST) in cases of narrow ridges.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

A total of 40 patients (57 dental implants [DIs]) with narrow ridges were randomly allocated to a control group, which employed the RST, and to a study group, which employed the DET. Secondary stability, marginal bone loss (MBL), keratinized mucosa width (KMW), Plaque Index (PI), bleeding index (BI), and probing depth (PD) were assessed at baseline (time of definitive abutment and temporary crown placement) and then at 3, 6, and 12 months. Pain and the number of analgesic tablets consumed were assessed daily during the first postoperative week.

RESULTS

The study group had lower pain levels during the first 2 days postoperatively and presented with greater primary and secondary stability at baseline and at 3 months. Moreover, patients in that group had less MBL at all time points and greater KMW at 6 and 12 months postoperatively. Otherwise, both groups showed comparable results regarding PI, BI, and BD.

CONCLUSIONS

The study group had superior performance, which may be attributed to the lower degree of trauma with the DET.