Alveolar crest regeneration using curvilinear dentoalveolar distraction osteogenesis: a preliminary study

Objective. The objective of this study was to reconstruct alveolar crest at home position using distraction osteogenesis (DO) with a personalized curvilinear distractor designed through computer-aided technology. Study design. Five adult dogs were recruited and the maxillary alveolar bone from the first incisor to the first premolar was excised. The dentoalveolar segment adjacent to the defect was osteotomized as a bone transport disk. After 8 weeks of consolidation, the dogs were humanely killed, and the regenerated bone was analyzed. Results. The DO was successful in the experimental group. The radiographs and histology both verified new bone bridging distraction gap. However, the newly formed bone was located more internally and was not in original position. Conclusions. The proposed method to reconstruct alveolar crest at home position is improper. The key point was how to maintain the distraction space and hold it at the home position. The barrier membrane technique may be used together with DO to resolve the problem. (Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod 2011; 112: 430-438)