Vertical alveolar ridge distraction with prosthetic treatable distracters:A clinical investigation

Alveolar ridge distraction is a recent and promising technique for ridge au gmentation. Since 1997, a new distraction system incorporating a distractio n implant has been in use. It can be used for alveolar ridge distraction an d is not removed from the alveolar ridge. Upon completion of the distractio n, it remains in the alveolar process for later prosthetic treatment. Thirt y-five patients were treated with distraction implants for the correction o f alveolar ridge deficiency. In 10 patients with atrophy of the mandible or maxilla, 16 patients with severe defects of the alveolar process after tra uma, and 9 patients with localized alveolar ridge defects after single toot h loss, alveolar ridge distraction was carried out with the aid of 62 distr action implants. The distraction implants were loaded by, prosthetic supers tructures 4 to 6 months after distraction. A clinical and radiologic follow -up was carried out Periotest values were examined, and periimplant bleedin g and probing depth were registered prior to prosthetic treatment and 3, 6 and 9 months after implant loading. In 29 patients, distraction was carried out without complications or problems. Two distraction implants were lost In 2 patients distraction was discontinued because of ankylosis of the dist raction segment. In 1 patient the alveolar ridge was overcorrected, and ano ther patient experienced a persisting hypoesthesia of the lip. For 5% of th e implants, pathologic probing depth of more than 3 mm and sulcus bleeding were registered prior to prosthetic treatment These observations decreased during the next 9 months. Periotest values were normal before the start of prosthetic treatment. There was a decrease in the Periotest values, thus an increase in implant stability, during the following 9 months. It was concl uded that alveolar ridge distraction using distraction implants can be a su ccessful technique for alveolar ridge augmentation with a low rate of compl ication. Acceptable esthetic and functional results can be achieved by this atraumatic technique of surgery and distraction.