Results and complications of alveolar distraction osteogenesis to enhance vertical bone height.

Objective: The aim of this retrospective study was to analyze the outcome and complications of alveolar distraction osteogenesis for the correction of vertically deficient ridges by using intraosseous and extraosseous distractors.

Study Design: Seven patients with severely atrophic alveolar crests were treated by distraction osteogenesis in 5 alveolar ridge deficiencies by intraosseous distractors and in 2 alveolar ridge deficiencies by extraosseous distractors. The bone deficiencies were secondary to atrophy after periodontal disease, tooth extraction, or trauma. Three months after consolidation of the distracted segments, implants were placed in the distracted areas. The average follow-up period after prosthetic loading was 50 months.

Results: The mean alveolar height achieved was 7.8 mm (range, 4-9 mm). The intraoperative and postoperative problems encountered were lack of device activation (n = 1), lingual displacement of the distracted segment (n = 1), paresthesia of the lower lip (n = 4), and dehiscence and plate exposure (n = 2). Most of these complications were considered to be minor complications and were solved without any problems.

Conclusion: It was concluded that alveolar distraction osteogenesis seems to be an effective technique to treat vertical alveolar ridge deficiencies, but adequate treatment planning is necessary for success. The complications related to this technique can be solved with simple treatments.