Alveolar ridge splitting with light beams expanding jawbone.

The Ridge Splitting Revolution: How Piezoelectric Tech is Changing Dental Implants

Beau Callahan in Health & Wellness June 2025 • 4 min read.

"Discover how alveolar ridge splitting with piezoelectric systems offers a less invasive, faster path to dental implants, especially for those with bone loss."

Losing teeth can lead to bone loss in your jaw, making it difficult to get dental implants. The alveolar bone, which supports your teeth, needs enough width to hold an implant securely. When bone loss occurs, traditional solutions like bone grafts or complex surgeries might seem daunting. But there's good news: a technique called alveolar ridge splitting (ARST) offers a less invasive option.

ARST has been around for two decades, but recent advancements, especially the use of piezoelectric systems, are making it more effective and predictable. Piezoelectric devices use ultrasonic vibrations to precisely cut bone, allowing dentists to expand a narrow jawbone ridge without resorting to more invasive procedures. This means faster treatment times, less discomfort, and a quicker return to your everyday life.

This article explores how ARST using piezoelectric technology is transforming dental implant procedures, offering new hope to those who might have been told they weren't candidates for implants due to bone loss.

The Science Behind Alveolar Ridge Splitting

Alveolar ridge splitting with light beams expanding jawbone.

Alveolar ridge splitting aims to widen the jawbone, creating enough space to place dental implants successfully. Traditionally, this involved using burs, saws, and chisels, which could be complex and unpredictable. The piezoelectric system simplifies the process. It uses specialized inserts that vibrate at ultrasonic frequencies to make precise cuts in the bone, expanding the ridge gradually and carefully.

A study published in the International Journal of Odontostomatology investigated the outcomes of ARST using a piezoelectric system in eleven patients. These patients had experienced bone loss that made them unsuitable for standard implant procedures. The study excluded smokers and those with previous implant or reconstructive surgeries in the treatment area to ensure a clear evaluation of the technique.

Here’s a breakdown of how the procedure typically works:

A small incision is made along the top of the gum ridge.
Using the piezoelectric device, the dentist makes precise cuts to expand the bone.
Implants are placed into the widened ridge.
Bone grafting material may be added to fill any gaps and support bone regeneration.

The study demonstrated promising results. A total of 34 implants were placed, with most achieving excellent stability. In a few cases, a minor fracture of the bone plate occurred, but this didn't prevent successful implant placement. What's more, the researchers noted minimal complications during the procedure and a rapid treatment completion, emphasizing the technique's predictability and low morbidity.

A Brighter Future for Dental Implants

Alveolar ridge splitting with piezoelectric technology offers a promising solution for individuals facing bone loss and seeking dental implants. Its minimally invasive nature, predictability, and reduced treatment time make it an attractive alternative to more complex procedures. If you've been told you're not a candidate for implants due to bone loss, talk to your dentist about whether ARST might be right for you. This innovative technique could pave the way to a healthier smile and improved quality of life.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.4067/s0718-381x2015000200011, Alternate LINK

Title: Alveolar Ridge Splitting For Implant Installation In Atrophic Sites: Analysis Of A Case Series

Subject: General Earth and Planetary Sciences

Journal: International journal of odontostomatology

Publisher: SciELO Agencia Nacional de Investigacion y Desarrollo (ANID)

Authors: Sergio Olate, Álvaro Marín, Gonzalo Oporto, Daniel Farias, Mario Cantín

Published: 2015-08-01

Everything You Need To Know

What is alveolar ridge splitting (ARST) and why is it necessary for some dental implant patients?

Alveolar ridge splitting (ARST) is a technique used to widen the jawbone to create enough space for dental implants. It's particularly useful when a patient has experienced bone loss, making traditional implant placement difficult. The process involves making precise cuts in the bone to expand the ridge, creating a stable foundation for the implants.

How does a piezoelectric system enhance alveolar ridge splitting (ARST) for dental implants?

Piezoelectric devices utilize ultrasonic vibrations to make precise cuts in the bone during alveolar ridge splitting (ARST). This technology simplifies the process compared to traditional methods using burs, saws, and chisels, which can be less predictable. The use of piezoelectric systems minimizes invasiveness, reduces treatment time, and enhances the overall predictability of the bone expansion.

What did the study in the International Journal of Odontostomatology reveal about the use of piezoelectric systems in alveolar ridge splitting (ARST)?

The study in the *International Journal of Odontostomatology* showed that alveolar ridge splitting (ARST) using piezoelectric systems is a promising approach for patients with bone loss. The study demonstrated high implant stability and minimal complications, even when minor bone fractures occurred. This suggests that ARST with piezoelectric technology can offer a reliable option for individuals who might not be suitable for standard implant procedures.

What are the benefits of using alveolar ridge splitting (ARST) with piezoelectric technology compared to traditional dental implant procedures?

Alveolar ridge splitting (ARST) with piezoelectric technology offers several advantages over traditional methods. It's less invasive, leading to reduced discomfort and faster recovery times. The piezoelectric system allows for precise cuts, making the procedure more predictable and minimizing the risk of complications. This approach can make dental implants possible for individuals with bone loss who might otherwise require more complex surgeries like bone grafting.

What considerations are important in alveolar ridge splitting (ARST) with piezoelectric systems, and what factors might influence the outcomes of the procedure?

While the study in the *International Journal of Odontostomatology* highlights the success of alveolar ridge splitting (ARST) with piezoelectric systems, it's important to consider factors like the patient's overall health, bone quality, and the dentist's expertise. Success depends on careful planning and execution, and outcomes can vary. Missing from the procedure are those with previous reconstructive surgeries which impact the success rate. Further, the long-term stability and success of implants placed using this technique require ongoing monitoring and maintenance.