Mandibular alveolar ridge augmentation in the dog using distraction osteogenesis.
OBJECTIVE
This study investigated the use of distraction osteogenesis for alveolar ridge augmentation.


METHODS
Four dogs each had two superior and two inferior implants placed horizontally into an edentulous mandibular quadrant and, after integration, a distraction device was applied. An osteotomy was made to allow the ridge to be distracted vertically. After 10 mm vertical distraction, the device was stabilized.


RESULTS
The vertical augmentation averaged 8.85 +/- 1.05 mm after 10 weeks of healing. Serial sections showed that bone had formed between the distracted segments, creating an augmented ridge.


CONCLUSIONS
Distraction osteogenesis has the potential for use in augmentation of the alveolar ridge.
Block
M S
MS
Louisiana State University School of Dentistry, New Orleans 70119, USA.
Chang
A
A
Crawford
C
C
D000540:Alveolar Ridge Augmentation / Q000379:methods*; D000818:Animals; D004285:Dogs; D018889:Ilizarov Technique; D008334:Mandible / Q000601:surgery*; D010012:Osteogenesis; D010027:Osteotomy / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D010865:Pilot Projects; D019736:Prostheses and Implants