Ridge augmentation planning, wound healing evaluation, and peri-implant tissue phenotype assessment with ultrasonography: A case report

BackgroundRidge regeneration for implant therapy requires comprehensive site evaluation and wound healing monitoring. This case report aimed to demonstrate ultrasound (US) can image soft and hard tissues for surgical planning and assess longitudinal outcomes. Methods and ResultsUS was used in a patient planned for ridge augmentation to evaluate soft tissue thickness, location of muscle attachment, and hard tissue defect features presurgically. US were obtained at 1, 2.5, and 5 months afterward to assess tissue healing. Preoperatively, US showed similar to 2.5 mm and similar to 0.8 mm soft tissue thickness on the facial and lingual sides, respectively. The crestal bone width was similar to 2 mm, with severe facial bone deficiency and high muscle attachment. US showed wound approximation and ridge width gain to 4.5 and 4.0 mm at 1 and 5 months, respectively. US tissue perfusion increased to similar to two-fold and similar to 4-fold at 1 and 2.5 months and reduced below the baseline at 5 months. An implant with simultaneous bone augmentation was performed accordingly. Tissue phenotype around the implant was measured on US images at 1-year visit. ConclusionsThis case report demonstrated that US parameters could be valuable for planning and wound healing outcome assessment of ridge augmentation in clinical as well as research settings. Key pointsWhy is this case new information? Novel high-resolution, chairside ultrasound was proposed to facilitate treatment planning and wound healing outcome assessment of ridge augmentation in clinical as well as research settings.What are the keys to successful use of this technology? Proper training in imaging acquisition and interpretationAdhere to high-level disinfection protocolPatient education and explanationWhat are the primary limitations to success in using this technology? Investment in this technologyLearning curve in imaging acquisition and readingInsurance reimbursement strategy