Clinical evaluation of alveolar distraction osteogenesis for implant installation

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: Distraction osteogenesis has recently evolved a challenging technique to overcome the limitations of conventional augmentation procedures. The aim of this report was to evaluate the clinical result of alveolar distraction osteogenesis for implant installation.METHODS: Twenty five patients with alveolar ridge deficiencies were treated with vertical alveolar distraction osteogenesis by intraoral device (total 27 devices 25 extraosseous and 2 intraosseous devices). After the latency periods of 5-7 days, activation of the device was started. The distraction rhythm and rate was 0.75-1.0 mm a day with 2 or 3 times a day. After 3-4 months, dental implants were placed with removing the distractor simultaneously.RESULTS: On average, a vertical gain of 9.8+/-3.4 mm was obtained by distraction osteogenesis. Total 84 implants were installed. Average follow up period was 13.5+/-7.5 months. No implant was removed during the follow up period. Three patients showed infection during the distraction osteogenesis. Three devices were broken and 2 devices among them were replaced with new one.CONCLUSION: Relatively larger amount of alveolar bone augmentation could be obtained with distraction osteogenesis. For the ideal anatomically and functionally ideal regeneration of alveolar bone to install dental implant, the complication of distraction should be controlled.