Maxillary vertical alveolar ridge augmentation using computer-guided sandwich osteotomy technique with simultaneous implant placement versus conventional technique: A pilot study

Background Sandwich osteotomy technique (Inlay bone grafting) is considered as a highly reliable procedure for vertical bone augmentation in the maxillary anterior esthetic zone. The aim of this study was to compare vertical bone gain and palatal tipping using computer-guided inlay technique versus the conventional technique. Material and methods This was a randomized clinical trial including 12 patients who were randomly divided into two groups: sandwich osteotomy with simultaneous implant placement at the anterior maxillary esthetic zone (six patients) using patient-specific guides (PSGs) in the study group versus conventional technique (six patients). In the control group, free-hand sandwich osteotomy was done, while in the study group all the procedures were performed with two sequential PSGs with cutting slits, guiding holes, and implant sleeves. Radiographic assessment included measurements of linear changes in the vertical dimensions of the labial plate of bone and palatal tipping on cross-sectional cuts of cone-beam computed tomography using special software. Results All the procedures were uneventful except one case of the study group showed a cracked bony segment that did not affect the final outcome. Radiographic results showed comparable bone gain in both groups with no statistical significance difference (study group 4.4 mm, control group 3.9 mm). To the contrary, the computer-guided approach significantly reduced the palatal tipping to 0.4 mm compared to 2.1 mm in the conventional group, and there was a statistically significant difference between the two groups (p-value <0.001). Conclusion Sandwich osteotomy using PSGs appears to be efficient and showed promising results regarding improving the palatal tipping compared to the free-hand technique.