Several techniques such as onlay block bone grafting, guided bone regeneration, ridge split technique/ridge expansion technique, distraction
osteogenesis and etc. were performed to form sufficient alveolar buccolingual width for implant insertion in narrow alveolar
ridge. Ridge split technique was recognized as very useful method for expansion the narrow edentulous ridge and implant placement
simultaneously. Ordinary ridge split technique consists of splitting the vestibular (horizontal) and buccal (vertical), displacing the vestibular
cortical bone by greenstick fracture, separating from the bone marrow and creating a middle gap for implant insertion. We mostly
can expand the alveolar bone in ridge area through this technique. However, in some cases, the alveolar bone is thinner in apical area
than ridge area, especially in maxillary incisior and premolar area. In these cases, performing the ordinary ridge split technique can cause
the perforation of apical alveolar bone when drilling or placement of implant. We performed the different ridge expansion technique
with apical osteotomy locally in narrow maxillary premolar edentulous area and implant insertion simultaneously for prevention of the
perforation. So, we report this case with a review of literature. (JOURNAL OF DENTAL IMPLANT RESEARCH 2012;31(3):67-72)