Split Crest Technique: an advanced solution for bone loss and implant placement
The split crest technique is one of the most advanced procedures in dental implantology. It is used to widen a narrow alveolar ridge in patients with horizontal bone loss, allowing implants to be placed safely, predictably and with minimal invasiveness.
At Face Clinic Spain, our team of maxillofacial surgery specialists and implant dentists perform this technique using 3D digital planning, guided surgery and advanced bone regeneration protocols to maximise long-term success.
Split crest: surgical technique used to expand a narrow ridge and allow stable implant placement.
What is the Split Crest technique?
The split crest technique consists of making a longitudinal cut along the alveolar ridge to separate and gently expand the cortical walls. This creates enough horizontal space to place a dental implant or to add bone graft material when necessary.
It is especially useful in the upper jaw and indicated when the patient has insufficient ridge width (typically 3–5 mm) but adequate bone height for implant stability.
How is the Split Crest performed?
1. Surgical exposure: a soft-tissue flap is elevated to expose and measure the ridge.
2. Creating the “split”: a precise osteotomy is made along the crest to separate the cortices.
3. Expansion: osteotomes or ridge expanders are used to gradually open the ridge.
4. Implant placement: if primary stability is achieved, the implant is placed immediately.
5. Bone graft (if required): biomaterial is added to improve regeneration and volume.
6. Closure: the flap is repositioned and sutured.
One-stage or two-stage Split Crest?
- One-stage: the ridge is expanded and the implant is placed in the same session.
- Two-stage: the ridge is expanded first and allowed to heal before placing the implant.
The decision depends on bone density, ridge width and the results of CBCT imaging.
Benefits of the Split Crest technique
- Allows implant placement in narrow ridges without more invasive grafting.
- High success rates and excellent long-term stability.
- Reduced treatment time compared with major bone grafting.
- Minimally invasive and predictable when performed with digital planning.
When is Split Crest recommended?
The split crest technique is ideal for patients with:
- Moderate horizontal bone loss.
- Narrow alveolar ridges requiring widening.
- A need for fixed dental prosthetics on implants.
- Cases where avoiding more invasive techniques—such as subperiosteal implants—is preferable.
- Full arch rehabilitations, including full mouth dental implants Spain or All-on-4 dental implants cost consultations.
Specialist advice
- Always request a CBCT scan to assess ridge width and bone quality.
- Avoid smoking to improve bone regeneration and implant stability.
- Follow all post-operative instructions regarding hygiene and medication.
- Choose a centre with expert maxillofacial surgeons trained in ridge expansion techniques.
Where can you undergo the Split Crest technique?
At Face Clinic Spain, our maxillofacial surgeons and implantology specialists perform the split crest technique in our clinics in Madrid, Aravaca–Pozuelo, Salamanca and Huelva, all equipped with digital 3D technology and in-house surgical facilities.
We combine precision planning, advanced bone regeneration protocols and personalised implant treatments to achieve safe, stable and predictable results.
Dr Francisco Riba García, specialist in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (ICOMEM no. 28375865), has over 25 years of experience in Maxillofacial, Aesthetic and Facial Plastic Surgery.
He is the Medical Director and Founder of Face Clinic, Head of the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department at La Zarzuela and La Moraleja Hospitals (Madrid), and a member of the most prestigious scientific societies, including the European Board of Oro-Maxillo-Facial Surgery.
