Alveolar width distraction osteogenesis for early implant placement

Distraction osteogenesis for correction of horizontal alveolar width deficiency was performed for 9 patients by using an alveolar crest widening device. Four prototypes were used during the course of the study until a final protocol was achieved. Under local anesthesia, a blind crestal osteotomy was carried out with minimal periosteal reflection. The horizontal distraction device was placed percutaneously. Distraction proceeded from the seventh postoperative day at a rate of 0.4 mm/day for 14 to 18 days. Seven to 10 days later, dental implants were placed. Distraction osteogenesis occurred in all 9 patients and increased alveolar width from 4 to 6 mm. Twenty implants successfully osteointegrated of 21 placed. Marginal bone resorption was not observed after 12 months' follow-up. The advantages of horizontal distraction over block grafting include simultaneous expansion of soft tissue, high degree of dimensional stability, abbreviated overall treatment time, and no graft requirement. (c) 2005 American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons.