title: Reconstruction of severe anterior maxillary defects using distraction osteogenesis, bone grafts, and implants.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this article is to describe the method for reconstructing patients with severe anterior maxillary defects, using a combination of distraction osteogenesis, onlay bone grafts, and implants to support either fixed or fixed/removable prostheses.
  
  
  METHODS
  The surgical technique involves placement of an extraosseous distraction device followed by greater than 10 mm of distraction of the alveolus. A corticocancellous graft is harvested from the hip to establish sufficient horizontal bone for implant placement. Implants are placed after graft consolidation followed by fabrication of a fixed or fixed/removable prosthesis depending on the needs of the individual patient.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Five patients have been prospectively followed using this technique, with completion of their prosthetic reconstruction, with follow-up ranging from 1 to 4 years.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The combination of distraction, onlay bone grafting, and implant placement has been able to reconstruct patients with severe maxillary defects.
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, LSU School of Dentistry, New Orleans, LA 70119, USA.
authors.forename: Michael S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Block
authors.forename: David G
authors.initials: DG
authors.lastname: Baughman
mesh_terms: D016025:Bone Transplantation / Q000379:methods; D015921:Dental Implants; D019094:Dental Prosthesis, Implant-Supported; D003779:Denture Design; D003832:Denture, Partial, Removable; D003833:Denture, Partial, Temporary; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005881:Gingiva / Q000637:transplantation; D006801:Humans; D008437:Maxilla / Q000293:injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D019857:Osteogenesis, Distraction / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D010347:Patient Care Planning; D011446:Prospective Studies; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*
chemical_list: D015921:Dental Implants