MANDIBULAR ALVEOLAR RIDGE AUGMENTATION IN THE DOG USING DISTRACTION OSTEOGENESIS

Purpose: This study investigated the use of distraction osteogenesis f or alveolar ridge augmentation. Materials and Methods: Four dogs each had two superior and two inferior implants placed horizontally into an edentulous mandibular quadrant and, after integration, a distraction device was applied. An osteotomy was made to allow the ridge to be dis tracted vertically. After 10 mm vertical distraction, the device was s tabilized. Results: The vertical augmentation averaged 8.85 +/- 1.05 m m after 10 weeks of healing. Serial sections showed that bone had form ed between the distracted segments, creating an augmented ridge. Concl usions: Distraction osteogenesis has the potential for use in augmenta tion of the alveolar ridge.