Comparative evaluation of alveolar bone resorption around dental implants following different methods of horizontal augmentation

Objective. To conduct a comparative clinical and radiological assessment of alveolar bone resorption around dental implants based on X-ray monitoring data. Materials and methods. 95 patients with alveolar crest width deficiency (from 2.0 to 4.0 mm) were examined, who received 193 dental implants. The patients were divided into four groups: Group I (n=26, 42 implants) — autostomy with monocortical blocks; Group II (n=24, 48 implants) — autostomy using a Transfer Control kit; Group III (n=24, 54 implants) — intercortical osteotomy with delayed implant placement after 4—6 month; Group IV (N=21, 49 implants) — intercortical osteotomy with simultaneous implant placement. X-ray evaluation of alveolar bone resorption according to CBCT data 6 and 12 months after implant placement. The following degrees of resorption were distinguished: absence, initial signs, moderate, pronounced and pronounced. Results. After 6 months, the initial signs of resorption prevailed in groups I and II, 42.9% and 50.0%, respectively, in groups III and IV, their proportion was lower — 31.3% and 32.6%. By 12 months, the proportion of initial resorption decreased in groups I, III and IV to 31.0%, 20.3% and 22.4%, respectively, and in group II, it remained high at 48.0%. Moderate resorption prevailed in all groups after 12 months, reaching 64.8% in group III and 63.3% in group IV. The frequency of pronounced (1.1—1.5 mm) and pronounced (more than 1.6 mm) resorption by 12 months did not exceed 10.1% and 4.2%, respectively, in all groups. The survival rate of implants in group IV for the first year was 96.1%. Conclusion. The most favorable dynamics of resorption with an active transition from the initial stage to the moderate stage was noted in the groups of intercortical osteotomy, especially with simultaneous implant placement. Intercortical osteotomy with single-stage implant placement is an effective and predictable method with strict patient selection, ensuring high implant survival and stable marginal bone tissue parameters.