Abstract
Ridge split is one of the techniques utilized to increase bone width before or at the time of implant placement. The paper reviewed the ridge splitting technique since its start, its indications and drawbacks, and the instruments utilized to perform it. The technique can be done in one or two stages depending on initial bone width and cross-sectional form. The aim of this paper is to review the current knowledge about ridge split different techniques with report of 2 cases utilizing those techniques in atrophic maxilla. Two patients with edentulous atrophic maxillae are reported. Ridge split technique was chosen as the treatment modality for dental implant placement. One patient was treated with 2-step ridge splitting approach while the other with simultaneous ridge splitting with implant placement. Patients treated with two-stage and one-stage ridge splitting had their prosthetic delivery after six months of temporization. The survival at that time was 100%. Different techniques of preparing bone for dental implants are well-known. The combination of knowledge and clinical skills are important in deciding the best technique in each clinical scenario. Ridge splitting is one of those techniques that can be used in specific type of clinical presentations.