Radiographic Evaluation of Crestal Bone Loss Around Narrow Diameter Implants Versus Standard Diameter Implants in Conjunction With Bone Augmentation in Horizontally Deficient Posterior Mandibular Partially Edentulous Sites: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Various methods of additional surgical procedures have been introduced to overcome reduced bone volume situations, relevant to the site, size and nature of the defect such as: maxillary sinus floor lifting and augmentation, vertical and lateral ridge augmentation by means of autogenous or bone substitutes, particulate or blocks. Lateral bone augmentation performed simultaneously with implant placement has been a well-established treatment option for horizontal ridge deficiencies.

Such additional procedures are associated with longer surgical time, greater morbidity and greater risk to complications such as: pain, infection, nerve damage, bleeding, wound dehiscence or even graft or implant failure. In addition to, higher treatment cost and a longer healing time. Furthermore, an additional surgical procedure should be considered with caution in medically compromised patients. Moreover, surgical expertise of the operator is required for performing such procedures.

NDIs showed promising results with reported survival rates 95% - 100%. However, prosthetic complications such as: abutment fracture, loss of crown retention and screw loosening were reported.

The successful outcomes of NDI have supported widening the scope to include premolars and molars, particularly where averting an additional augmentation procedure is favoured.

However, areas of concern remain evident regarding; the impact of loading on a reduced surface for osseointegration, the increased probability of fracture, the probable prosthetic complications and the loading stresses affecting crestal bone resorption. In addition to oral health-related quality of life for the patients. Limited literature is found regarding the use of NDI to restore posterior mandibular edentulous sites.