Anterior maxillary restoration using distraction osteogenesis and implants: a clinical report.

Distraction osteogenesis is a biologic process of new bone formation between the surfaces of bone segments that are gradually separated by incremental traction. This method of providing additional bone and soft tissue for implant placement is becoming more common. This clinical report describes the use of distraction osteogenesis and a fixed implant-supported prosthesis to treat a premaxillary defect. A major esthetic concern with alveolar distraction osteogenesis is obtaining a predictable position of the transosteal portion of the implant in relation to the newly generated bone ridge crest. Additional clinical and experimental studies are needed to provide guidelines for predictable esthetic outcomes.