The Controlled Assisted Ridge Expansion Technique for Implant Placement in the Anterior Maxilla: A Technical Note

This technical report describes the simple and valuable technique of controlled assisted ridge expansion (CARE) for the esthetic zone of the anterior maxilla. Atrophic bone and narrow alveolar crests make implant bed preparation difficult. The highly predictable surgical technique of CARE for alveolar expansion uses periosteal containment and subperiosteal intrabony vertical releasing incisions efficiently. This allows for the expansion of narrow, anatomically limiting edentulous ridges. The precise and conservative use of Piezosurgery and assisted manipulation of the labialized bony pedicle by horizontal spreaders and rotary osteo condensers affords a highly predictable surgical procedure, which allows implants to be placed at the time of surgery, reducing patient treatment time, morbidity, functional losses, and overall cost, as well as increasing the native bone volume in the atrophic maxillary ridge. (Int J Periodontics Restorative Dent 2010; 30: 495-501.)