Radiographic assessment of computer guided modified ridge splitting technique versus conventional free hand technique in management of horizontal deficiency in posterior mandible: a randomized control clinical trial

Purpose: The aim of this study was radiographic assessment of computer guided modified ridge splitting technique versus conventional free hand technique in management of horizontal deficiency in posterior mandible.Methodology: Eighteen patients with horizontally deficient posterior mandibular ridges were equally and randomly allocated into two groups; in the study group ( group A ), patients underwent augmentation using guided modified ridge splitting grafting procedure, on the other hand, in the control group (group B) , they underwent augmentation using conventional free hand modified ridge splitting grafting technique. Each patient was assessed radiographically using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) in the following intervals pre-operatively, immediately post-operatively and four months post-operatively for assessment of horizontal bone gain. Results: The postoperative recovery and healing phase were uneventful in all patients. In the study group, the mean horizontal bone gain after four months was (4.93±0.64) mm, whereas in the other group was (4.46±0.67) mm and the difference was statistically significant (p=0.038).Conclusion: Using a 3D-printed, patient-specific guide for harvesting and fixation of the modified cortical shell offered superior and better horizontal bone gain compared to the freehand harvesting and fixation technique.Keywords:Alveolar ridge deficiency, horizontal augmentation, modified ridge splitting, computer-guided bone augmentation, accuracy.