Alveolar width distraction osteogenesis for early implant placement.

Distraction osteogenesis for correction of horizontal alveolar width deficiency was performed for 9 patients by using an alveolar crest widening device. Four prototypes were used during the course of the study until a final protocol was achieved. Under local anesthesia, a blind crestal osteotomy was carried out with minimal periosteal reflection. The horizontal distraction device was placed percutaneously. Distraction proceeded from the seventh postoperative day at a rate of 0.4 mm/day for 14 to 18 days. Seven to 10 days later, dental implants were placed. Distraction osteogenesis occurred in all 9 patients and increased alveolar width from 4 to 6 mm. Twenty implants successfully osteointegrated of 21 placed. Marginal bone resorption was not observed after 12 months' follow-up. The advantages of horizontal distraction over block grafting include simultaneous expansion of soft tissue, high degree of dimensional stability, abbreviated overall treatment time, and no graft requirement.