Vertical distraction osteogenesis of edentulous ridges for improvement of oral implant positioning: A clinical report of preliminary results

This study examined the opportunities offered by intraoral distraction oste ogenesis to vertically elongate insufficient alveolar ridges and thereby im prove local anatomy for ideal implant placement. Eight patients presenting with vertically deficient edentulous ridges were treated by means of the di straction osteogenesis principle with an intraoral alveolar distracter. Two to 3 months after consolidation of the distracted segments, 26 implants we re placed in the distracted areas. Four to 6 months later, abutments were c onnected and prosthetic loading of the implants was started. The mean follo w-up after initial prosthetic loading was 14 months. In all patients, the d esired bone gain was reached at the end of distraction (mean vertical bone gain of 8.5 mm), Probing depth, Bleeding Index, and Plaque Index around imp lants were evaluated, and Periotest values were also calculated. The cumula tive success rate of implants was 100%. Radiographic examinations 12 months after functional loading of implants showed a significant increase in the density of the newly generated bone in the distracted areas. This technique seems to be reliable, and the regenerated bone has withstood the functiona l demands of implant loading. Success rates of implants, periodontal indice s of peri-implant soft tissues, and Periotest values were consistent with t hose reported in the literature regarding implants placed in native bone.