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Purpose: To evaluate the effects of exposure protocol, voxel sizes, and artifact removal algorithms on the trueness of segmentation in various mandible regions using an artificial intelligence (AI)‐based system. Materials and methods: Eleven dry human mandibles were scanned using a cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scanner under differing exposure protocols (standard and ultra‐low), voxel sizes (0.15 mm, 0.3 mm, and 0.45 mm), and with or without artifact removal algorithm. The resulting datasets were segmented using an AI‐based system, exported as 3D models, and compared to reference files derived from a white‐light laboratory scanner. Deviation measurement was performed using a computer‐aided design (CAD) program and recorded as root mean square (RMS). The RMS values were used as a representation of the trueness of the AI‐segmented 3D models. A 4‐way ANOVA was used to assess the impact of voxel size, exposure protocol, artifact removal algorithm, and location on RMS values (α = 0.05). Results: Significant effects were found with voxel size (p < 0.001) and location (p < 0.001), but not with exposure protocol (p = 0.259) or artifact removal algorithm (p = 0.752). Standard exposure groups had significantly lower RMS values than the ultra‐low exposure groups in the mandible body with 0.3 mm (p = 0.014) or 0.45 mm (p < 0.001) voxel sizes, the symphysis with a 0.45 mm voxel size (p = 0.011), and the whole mandible with a 0.45 mm voxel size (p = 0.001). Exposure protocol did not affect RMS values at teeth and alveolar bone (p = 0.544), mandible angles (p = 0.380), condyles (p = 0.114), and coronoids (p = 0.806) locations. Conclusion: This study informs optimal exposure protocol and voxel size choices in CBCT imaging for true AI‐based automatic segmentation with minimal radiation. The artifact removal algorithm did not influence the trueness of AI segmentation. When using an ultra‐low exposure protocol to minimize patient radiation exposure in AI segmentations, a voxel size of 0.15 mm is recommended, while a voxel size of 0.45 mm should be avoided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To investigate the effects of the manufacturing technologies on the surface (cameo and intaglio) accuracy (trueness and precision) of computer‐aided design and computer‐aided manufacturing (CAD‐CAM) occlusal splints. Materials and methods: The digital design of the master occlusal splint was designed in a CAD software program. Six groups (n = 10) were tested in this study, including Group 1 – Milling (Wax), Group 2 – Heat‐polymerizing, Group 3 – Milling (M series), Group 4 – Milling (DWX‐51/52D), Group 5 – 3D‐printing (Cares P30), and Group 6 – 3D‐printing (M2). The study samples were placed in a scanning jig fabricated from putty silicone and Type III dental stone. The study samples were then scanned with a laboratory scanner at the intaglio and cameo surfaces, and the scanned files were exported in standard tessellation language (STL) file format. The master occlusal splint STL file, was used as a reference to compare with all scanned samples at the intaglio and cameo surfaces in a surface matching software program. Root mean square (RMS, measured in mm, absolute value) values were calculated by the software for accuracy comparisons. Group means were used as the representation of trueness, and the standard deviation for each group was calculated as a measure of precision. Color maps were recorded to visualize the areas of deviation between study samples and the master occlusal splint file. The data were normalized and transformed to rank scores, and one‐way ANOVA was used to test for the differences between the groups. Pairwise comparisons were made between different groups. Fishers least square differences were used to account for the family‐wise error rate. A 5% significance level was used for all the tests. Results: The null hypotheses were rejected. The manufacturing technologies significantly affected the trueness of occlusal splints at both intaglio and cameo surfaces (p < 0.001). At the cameo surfaces, Group 1 – Milling (Wax) (0.03 ± 0.02 mm), Group 3 – Milling (M series) (0.04 ± 0.01 mm), and Group 4 – Milling (DWX‐51/52D) (0.04 ± 0.01 mm) had the smallest mean RMS values and highest trueness. Group 3 had the smallest standard deviation and highest precision among all groups (p < 0.001, except p = 0.005 when compared with Group 2). Group 5 had the largest standard deviation and lowest precision among all groups (p < 0.001). At the intaglio surfaces, Group 1 – Milling (Wax) (0.06 ± 0.01 mm) had the smallest RMS values and highest trueness among all groups (p < 0.001), and Group 2 – Heat‐polymerizing (0.20 ± 0.03 mm) and Group 5 – 3D‐printing (Cares P30) (0.15 ± 0.05 mm) had significantly larger mean RMS and standard deviation values than all other groups (p < 0.001), with lowest trueness and precision. In the color maps, Group 2 – Heat‐polymerizing and Group 5 – 3D‐printing (Cares P30) showed the most discrepancies with yellow and red (positive discrepancies) in most areas, and Group 1 – Milling (Wax) showed the best and most uniform surface matching with the most area in green. Conclusion: The manufacturing technologies significantly affected the trueness and precision of occlusal splints at both intaglio and cameo surfaces. The 5‐axis milling units and industrial‐level CLIP 3D‐printer could be considered to achieve surface accuracy of occlusal splints. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To compare the amount of bone expansion, bone density change, and implant primary stability with an osseodensification technique to a conventional drilling protocol. Materials and Methods: Twenty-four bovine rib segments (20 × 25 × 4 mm) with a 1-mm outer layer of cortical bone were randomly divided into two groups: an osseodensification group and a conventional drilling group. Each bone sample received one 4.1 × 10–mm implant. The density of the peri-implant bone before and after osteotomy was measured. After implant placement, primary stability was assessed. A laser surface scanner was used before and after implant placement to compare the dimension of crestal bone width and volumetric expansion. Histomorphometric analysis was performed to compare the bone-to-implant contact percentage (BIC%) of the two groups. Results: The peripheral and apical bone mineral density around the implants was significantly increased, and a statistically significantly higher peripheral BIC% was found in the osseodensification group. A significant increase in volume and bone width after implant placement was found in both groups. However, there were no significant differences in volume and bone width change at all three locations and in implant stability between the osseodensification and conventional drilling protocols. Conclusion: Within the limitations of this study, the osseodensification protocol increased the bone mineral density and primary bone-to-implant contact. Also, this study suggests that implant placement by osseodensification or conventional drilling can increase ridge dimensions in narrow alveolar ridges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To investigate the trueness of intraoral scanning in 8 commonly seen partially edentulous conditions. Materials and methods: A maxillary dentoform was modified into the 8 commonly seen partially edentulous conditions. Each modification was scanned with a laboratory desktop scanner. Each modification was then scanned 10 times (n = 10) with an intraoral scanner. All scans were exported as STL files and then imported into a surface matching software using the best‐fit alignment method. The dimensional differences between the study STL files from the intraoral scanner were compared to the corresponding reference STL files. The measurements were calculated as the root mean square (RMS) and defined as the trueness of the intraoral scans. In addition to the RMS values, qualitative assessments were completed on the color maps. The color maps produced by the surface matching software were used to visualize the areas of deviation between scans from the intraoral scanner and their corresponding reference files. One‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA), followed by pair‐wise comparisons using Fisher's Protected Least Significant Difference were utilized to compare the differences between the groups in RMS values (α = 0.05). Results: Partially edentulous condition significantly affected the trueness of the intraoral scans. Group 8 (Class IV) had significantly lower RMS (0.1878 ± 0.0455 mm) than all other groups (p < 0.001). Group 2 (Class II) and Group 7 (Class III modification I) are not significantly different from each other (Group 2: 0.5758 ± 0.0300 mm; Group 7: 0.5602 ± 0.0231 mm, p = 0.571), while they both had significantly higher RMS than all other groups (p < 0.001). The remaining groups showed the RMS values were within the range of 0.3001 ± 0.0891 mm (Group 6 – Class III with Long Edentulous Span) and 0.4541 ± 0.1039 mm (Group 1 – Class I). Conclusion: Different partially edentulous conditions affected the trueness of the scans generated from the selected intraoral scanner. Class IV edentulous condition had the highest intraoral scan trueness. It is unknown if RMS values are clinically significant, and the validity of using intraoral scans directly for PRDP fabrication will need further studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate the effects of 5 manufacturing technologies and 2 finish line designs on the trueness and dimensional stability of 3D‐printed definitive dies at finish line regions under different storage conditions and time. Material and methods: Preparation of light chamfer and round shoulder finish lines were adopted individually on two mandibular first molar typodont teeth and digitalized as standard tessellation language (STL) files. A total of 240 samples (192 AM definitive dies and 48 definitive conventional stone dies) in 20 groups (n = 12) were manufactured based on 2 finishing line designs (chamfer and shoulder), 5 manufacturing technologies (4 additively manufactured technologies and conventional stone die), and 2 storage conditions (light exposure and dark). The 4 additively manufactured (AM) technologies include a DLP 3D‐printer, an economic LED 3D‐printer, a CLIP 3D‐printer, and an SLA 3D‐printer. All the study samples were distributed into two storage conditions. Subsequently, samples were digitalized to STL files at 3 different time points (within 36 hours, 1‐month, and 3‐months). A surface matching software was used to superimpose the sample STL files onto the corresponding original STL files with the best‐fit alignment function. The trueness of each printed and stone definitive dies and their dimensional stabilities were measured by the root mean square (RMS, in mm). A linear mixed‐effects model was used to test the effects of the finish line design, manufacturing technology, storage condition, and storage time on RMS values (α = 0.05). Results: While finish line designs had no significant effects [F(1, 220) = 0.85, p < 0.358], the manufacturing technologies [F(3, 220) = 33.02, p < 0.001], storage condition [F(1, 220) = 4.11, p = 0.044], and storage time F(2, 440) = 10.37, p < 0.001] affected the trueness and dimensional stability of 3D‐printed dies at finish line regions. No significant interactions were found among the 4 factors. For the manufacturing technologies, Type IV stone groups and LCD 3D‐printer groups had significantly higher RMS values than the other 3 printers (p < 0.001) with no significant differences between Type IV stone and LCD 3D‐printer groups (p = 0.577). DLP 3D‐printer groups had higher RMS values than both SLA 3D‐printer groups and CLIP 3D‐printer groups (p < 0.001). There were no significant differences between SLA 3D‐printer groups and CLIP 3D‐printer groups, p = 0.671. For the effects of storage conditions, RMS values were significantly higher in the groups stored with the direct light exposure than the ones stored in the dark, p = 0.044. In terms of the effects of storage time, the RMS values were significantly higher after 1‐month storage, p = 0.002; and 3‐month storage, p < 0.001, than the ones at the immediate postmanufacturing stage. However, the RMS values after 1‐month and 3‐month storage were not significantly different from each other (p = 0.169). Conclusions: Manufacturing technologies, storage conditions, and storage time significantly affected the trueness and dimensional stability of 3D‐printed dies at finish line regions, while finish line designs had no significant effects. Among the AM technologies tested, all have produced either comparable or truer 3D‐printed dies than the Type IV dental stone dies, and the CLIP and SLA 3D‐printers produced the best outcomes. 3D‐printed dies showed significant distortion after 1‐month and 3‐months storage, especially under light exposure storage conditions. These findings may negate the clinical need to preserve 3D‐printed dies, and digital data should be preserved instead. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To investigate the translucency parameters of traditional, milled, and 3D‐printed denture base materials at 3 different thicknesses and the color masking ability of each material against a metallic background between different thicknesses. Material and methods: A traditional heat‐polymerizing polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) (H‐Lucitone) material was used as the control group. Two milled pre‐polymerized resin blocks (M‐Lucitone and IvoBase) and five 3D‐printed denture base materials (P‐Lucitone, Dentca LP, Dentca OP, Formlabs, and Kulzer) were used as experimental groups. A total of 240 samples, (n = 30, per material) were fabricated to a final specimen dimension of 12×12 mm and in thicknesses of 1.0, 2.0, and 3.0 mm (n = 10 per thickness/material) according to the manufacturers' recommendations. The color coordinates (L*, a*, b*) in CIELab color space for all specimens placed against a white, black, and metallic background were measured with a spectrophotometer. The translucency parameters (TP00) at each thickness and the color differences between 1 mm and 2 mm (dE00M1‐2) and between 2 mm and 3 mm (dE00M2‐3) against the metallic background were calculated with the CIEDE2000 color matrix. Comparisons between the groups for differences in TP00 were made using One‐way ANOVA separately for each thickness. Comparisons of groups and materials for differences in dE00M1‐2 and dE00M2‐3 were made using Two‐way ANOVA and Fisher's Protected Least Significant Differences (α = 0.05). Results: The TP00 decreased with increasing thickness in all 8 material groups. All 3D‐printed materials, except P‐Lucitone, had higher TP00 than milled pre‐polymerized resin materials (M‐Lucitone and IvoBase), and traditional heat‐polymerizing PMMA (H‐Lucitone) material (P<.001) at all thicknesses. In the 1 mm and 2 mm thickness, heat‐polymerizing acrylic resin (H‐Lucitone) had the lowest TP00, and in the 3 mm thickness, milled acrylic resin (M‐Lucitone and IVOBase) had had lowest TP00 (p < 0.001). All material groups had significantly lower values of dE00M2‐3 than dE00M1‐2 (p < 0.001). The color differences dE00M2‐3 were significantly lower in H‐Lucitone, M‐Lucitone, P‐Lucitone, and IvoBase groups than in other materials, while the color difference of dE00M1‐2 was significantly lower in H‐Lucitone, P‐Lucitone and Dentca LP than other materials (p < 0.001). Conclusions: The results from this study provide clinicians and dental technicians with information regarding the selection of denture base materials to achieve desired color masking outcomes, according to available prosthetic space. Thicker prostheses significantly improved the color masking abilities of denture acrylic resins against a metallic background. In a thickness of 1 and 2 mm, the heat‐polymerizing acrylic resin had a lower translucency parameter and better color masking ability. When the prosthesis thickness reached 3 mm, the milled acrylic resin had a lower translucency parameter and better color masking ability. When compared to the heat‐polymerizing resin and milled acrylic resin materials, except for one 3D‐printing resin (P‐Lucitone), the color masking abilities of the remaining 3D‐printing resin materials were low, regardless of prosthesis thickness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To investigate the possible interaction between fluoride treatment time and concentration on enamel caries lesion de-/remineralisation.Materials and Methods: The study design followed a three (fluoride concentration: 0, 275, 1250 ppm as sodium fluoride) x four (treatment time: 10, 30, 60, 120 s) factorial design. Caries lesions were created in bovine enamel and the extent of demineralisation determined using Vickers surface microhardness (VHN). Lesions were pH cycled (18 days) with the daily schedule consisting of two fluoride treatments, a 4-h demineralisation period and exposure to artificial saliva at all other times. VHN was determined again after pH cycling and changes to baseline values calculated (∆VHN). Enamel fluoride uptake (EFU) was determined using the microbiopsy technique. Data were analyzed using two-way ANOVA.Results: The concentration x treatment time interaction was significant for ∆VHN (p < 0.0001) and EFU (p = 0.0298). Dose-response relationships were observed for both variables for fluoride concentration and treatment time. ∆VHN: higher fluoride concentration compensated for shorter treatment time (e.g. ∆VHN [mean ± SD] = 85.5 ± 60.6 for 30 s with 1250 ppm fluoride vs ∆VHN = 84.3 ± 26.9 for 120s with 275 ppm fluoride). EFU data were similar but highlighted a greater ability to discern between fluoride concentrations (e.g. EFU = 4364 ± 1166 ppm vs 8538 ± 9531 ppm; above examples). Although ∆VHN and EFU correlated well (r = 0.723; p < 0.001), lesion demonstrated a greater ability to acquire fluoride than to remineralise.Conclusions: Behavioural aspects relating to caries can be studied in vitro, although model limitations must be considered. Adequate exposure times to cariostatic concentrations of fluoride are important in maximising caries prevention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To compare the intaglio surface trueness of obturator prosthesis bases manufactured by traditional compression molding, injection molding, and 3D printing techniques. Materials and Methods: A complete edentulous master cast with Aramany Class I maxillary defect was selected for this in vitro study. Four study groups (n = 10/group) were included in this study, Group A: Compression Molding, Group B: Injection Molding, and Group C: Cara Print 3D DLP Printer, and Group D: Carbon 3D DLS Printer. All obturator prostheses' intaglio surfaces were scanned with a laboratory scanner (E4; 3Shape Inc, New Providence, NJ) and the dimensional differences between study samples and their corresponding casts were calculated as the root mean square (measured in mm, absolute value) using a surface matching software (Geomagic design X; 3D Systems, Rock Hill, SC). One‐way Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Fisher's least significant difference (LSD) test were used to compare groups differences in RMS (α = 0.05). Results: There was a significant effect of manufacturing technique on the RMS values for the 4 conditions [F(3,36) = 5.743, p = 0.003]. Injection Molding (0.070 mm) and Compression Molding groups (0.076 mm) had a lower interquartile range, and the Cara Print 3D‐Printer group (0.427 mm) and Carbon 3D‐Printer (0.149 mm) groups had a higher interquartile range. The Injection Molding group showed the best and uniform surface matching with the most area in green in the color maps. The Injection Molding group (0.139 ± 0.049 mm) had significantly lower RMS than all other groups (p < 0.001 for all comparisons). Compression Molding (0.269 ± 0.057 mm), Cara Print 3D‐Printer (0.409 ± 0.270 mm), and Carbon 3D‐Printer (0.291 ± 0.082 mm) groups were not significantly different from each other (Compression Molding versus Carbon 3D‐Printer, p = 0.59; Compression Molding versus Cara Print 3D‐Printer, p = 0.25; Cara Print 3D‐Printer versus Carbon 3D‐Printer, p = 0.40). Conclusion: Obturator prosthesis bases manufactured with injection molding technique showed better intaglio surface trueness than ones made by the compression molding technique and 3D printers. Although obturator prosthesis bases manufactured from different 3D printers showed similar trueness, a DLP 3D printer produced less consistent outcome than a DLS 3D printer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Bioactive glass has attracted substantial interest in orthopedics, but it has been less explored as a drug carrier. This study investigated the bovine serum albumin (BSA) release from bioactive 13-93B0 and 13-93B3 glasses. Methods: Glass disks (13-93B0 and 13-93B3; n = 5) were loaded with 4 mg of BSA and coated under different chitosan-coating conditions. The amount of BSA released in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) was evaluated, and a degradation study was performed to find out the weight loss and pH of PBS. Secondary structures of BSA on 13-93B0 were characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Results: One hundred percent protein release occurred by 24 hours for all 13-93B3 groups. However, chitosan coating delayed 100% release up to 72 hours in 13-93B0 groups. The 13-93B3 glass showed higher degradation rates than 13-93B0 regardless of chitosan-coating status. Multilayer and sandwich chitosan coatings further delayed BSA release from 13-93B0. FTIR analysis revealed that α-helical structure was the highest among all groups and significantly higher in the 2% sandwich chitosan coating group (32.0% ± 2.1%), compared with uncoated and 4% chitosan groups. Conclusions: Chitosan coating can delay the burst release of BSA from 13-93B0 glass and be a potential coating on bioactive glass for drug delivery purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the antimicrobial and osteogenic properties of titanium (Ti) disks superficially modified with tetracycline (TCH)-incorporated polymer nanofibers. The experiments were carried out in two phases. The first phase dealt with the synthesis and characterization (i.e., morphology, mechanical strength, drug release, antimicrobial activity, and cytocompatibility) of TCH-incorporated fibers. The second phase was dedicated to evaluating both the antimicrobial and murine-derived osteoprecursor cell (MC3T3-E1) response of Ti-modified with TCH-incorporated fibers. TCH was successfully incorporated into the submicron-sized and cytocompatible fibers. All TCH-incorporated mats presented significant antimicrobial activity against periodontal pathogens. The antimicrobial potential of the TCH-incorporated fibers-modified Ti was influenced by both the TCH concentration and bacteria tested. At days 5 and 7, a significant increase in MC3T3-E1 cell number was observed for TCH-incorporated nanofibers-modified Ti disks when compared to that of TCH-free nanofibers-modified Ti-disks and bare Ti. A significant increase in alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels on the Ti disks modified with TCH-incorporated nanofiber on days 7 and 14 was seen, suggesting that the proposed surface promotes early osteogenic differentiation. Collectively, the data suggest that TCH-incorporated nanofibers could function as an antimicrobial surface modifier and osteogenic inducer for Ti dental implants. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 105B: 2085-2092, 2017. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Achieving bone union remains a significant clinical dilemma. The use of osteoinductive agents, specifically bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), has gained wide attention. However, multiple side effects, including increased incidence of cancer, has renewed interest in investigating alternatives that provide safer, yet effective bone regeneration. Here we demonstrate the robust bone healing capabilities of the main megakaryocyte growth factor, thrombopoietin (TPO) and second generation TPO agents using multiple animal models including mice, rats, and pigs. This bone healing activity is shown in two fracture models (critical sized defect [CSD] and closed fracture) and with local or systemic administration. Our transcriptomic analyses, cellular studies, and protein arrays demonstrate that TPO enhances multiple cellular processes important to fracture healing, particularly angiogenesis, which is required for bone union. Finally, the therapeutic potential of thrombopoietic agents is high since they are used in the clinic for other indications (e.g., thrombocytopenia) with established safety profiles and act upon a narrowly defined population of cells., (© The Author(s) 2024. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.)

Purpose: To explore the impact of zirconia types, coloring methods, and surface finishing on the color stability of monolithic multilayered polychromatic zirconia after artificial aging, including thermocycling and simulated toothbrushing., Materials and Methods: Eighty square-shaped zirconia samples were divided into 2 types (M3Y-TZP and M6Y-PSZ), further categorized based on coloring methods (precolored and extrinsically colored) and surface finishing techniques (mechanical polishing or glazing). The color stability was assessed using the CIEDE2000 formula. Artificial aging was simulated via thermocycling and toothbrushing. All samples were analyzed with a spectrophotometer to determine the post-aging color changes (ΔE 00 ). The ΔE 00 were interpreted and classified using the 50:50% perceptibility threshold (PT) and the 50:50% acceptability threshold (AT). Comparisons between groups for ΔE 00 differences were performed using three-way ANOVA, with pairwise comparisons facilitated by Fisher's protected least significant difference test, α = 0.05., Results: The study results indicated significant impacts of zirconia type, coloring method, and surface finishing on color stability. The M6Y groups experienced significantly greater color changes (6.61 ± 1.63) compared to the M3Y groups (3.40 ± 2.24), p < 0.0001. For both types of zirconia, extrinsically colored samples exhibited significantly higher ΔE 00 when mechanically polished (p = 0.004). However, surface finishing had no significant effect on ΔE 00 in precolored samples of either zirconia material (p = 1.000). The evaluation and categorization of ΔE 00 variations indicated that nearly all color changes in the M6Y groups, regardless of being precolored, extrinsically colored, polished, or glazed, were deemed extremely unacceptable (Grade 1). In contrast, the M3Y groups showed more acceptable results, with the majority of color changes classified as moderately unacceptable (Grade 3)., Conclusions: The color stability of multilayered polychromatic zirconia is influenced by the type of material, extrinsic coloring, and the chosen surface treatment post-artificial aging. The translucent 6Y-PSZ exhibited lower color stability, especially with only mechanical polishing. For the fabrication of M3Y-TZP and 6Y-PSZ monolithic multilayered polychromatic zirconia restorations, extrinsic coloring should be paired with glazing to maintain color stability. Conversely, in the absence of extrinsic coloring, both glazing and mechanical polishing are effective in preserving color stability., (© 2024 The Author(s). Journal of Prosthodontics published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American College of Prosthodontists.)

Purpose: To compare the amount of bone expansion, bone density change, and implant primary stability with an osseodensification technique to a conventional drilling protocol., Materials and Methods: Twenty-four bovine rib segments (20 × 25 × 4 mm) with a 1-mm outer layer of cortical bone were randomly divided into two groups: an osseodensification group and a conventional drilling group. Each bone sample received one 4.1 × 10-mm implant. The density of the peri-implant bone before and after osteotomy was measured. After implant placement, primary stability was assessed. A laser surface scanner was used before and after implant placement to compare the dimension of crestal bone width and volumetric expansion. Histomorphometric analysis was performed to compare the bone-to-implant contact percentage (BIC%) of the two groups., Results: The peripheral and apical bone mineral density around the implants was significantly increased, and a statistically significantly higher peripheral BIC% was found in the osseodensification group. A significant increase in volume and bone width after implant placement was found in both groups. However, there were no significant differences in volume and bone width change at all three locations and in implant stability between the osseodensification and conventional drilling protocols., Conclusion: Within the limitations of this study, the osseodensification protocol increased the bone mineral density and primary bone-to-implant contact. Also, this study suggests that implant placement by osseodensification or conventional drilling can increase ridge dimensions in narrow alveolar ridges.