#Education 12. Nov 2025

Volumetric and dimensional changes after bone augmentation and implant placement

A selected scientific recommendation by Dr. Marcin Maj: "Three-dimensional objective evaluation of the changes in the alveolar ridge before and after horizontal bone augmentation along with implant placement using intraoral digital scanning: a prospective study" Naoki Kitamura, Kikue Yamaguchi, Kaiya Himi, Kota Ishii, Motohiro Munakata.

STUDY OBJECTIVES AND METHODS

The purpose of this study was to objectively evaluate volumetric and dimensional changes of the alveolar ridge, including both hard and soft tissues, following simultaneous horizontal bone augmentation and implant placement using intraoral digital scanning. Intraoral digital scans were obtained at baseline (T0) and at 2 (T1), 6 (T2), and 12 weeks (T3) post-surgery. Scans were superimposed using dedicated imaging software to measure volumetric and cross-sectional changes.

RESULTS

  • Volumetric gain was significant at T1 but decreased significantly from T1 to T2 (p = 0.0006) and from T1 to T3 (p = 0.0002).
  • Cross-sectional analysis showed significant increases in ridge width at T1 at all measured levels, accompanied by a significant vertical decrease at the alveolar crest from T1 to T2 (p = 0.0056) and T3 (p = 0.0106).
     

CONCLUSIONS

These findings indicate that horizontal augmentation provides initial volumetric gain but is followed by substantial reduction at the crest, suggesting that rigid fixation may enhance stability; however, controlled clinical trials are required.
Adapted from N Kitamura et al., J Funct Biomater. 2025 Aug 28;16(9):312., for more info about this publication, click HERE.

This review is part of the Straumann "Scientific Highlights Newsletter 5/25".

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