DISTRACTION OSTEOGENESIS FOR AUGMENTING THE DEFICIENT ALVEOLAR RIDGE IN PREPARATION FOR DENTAL IMPLANT PLACEMENT: A CASE REPORT

DISTRACTION OSTEOGENESIS FOR AUGMENTING THE DEFICIENT ALVEOLAR RIDGE IN PREPARATION FOR DENTAL IMPLANT PLACEMENT: A CASE REPORT
April 2004
By John Ley, HBSc, DDS and A. Norman Cranin, DDS, DEng
John Ley, HBSc, DDS, is in private practice in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Address correspondence to Dr Ley at 675 Richmond Street, No. 506, London, Ontario, Canada N6A5X4
A. Norman Cranin, DDS, DEng, is Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Oral Implantology
Journal of Oral Implantology
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Abstract
Distraction osteogenesis is a process in which new bone is created in a defect of the alveolar ridge by stretching existing bone. The process was originally developed by a Russian orthopedist, Gavriel Ilizarov, for the correction of long-bone deformities. It was later adapted to the maxillofacial skeleton and alveolar ridge. Distraction osteogenesis involves surgically creating a mobile bone segment to which a distraction device is attached. By controlled movement, the bone segment, along with the soft tissues overlying it, are transported into a new position. After a suitable healing period, the distraction device is removed and dental implants can be placed. A case report is presented describing the use of alveolar distraction to augment a vertically deficient alveolar ridge.