Oral rehabilitation of a maxillectomy defect using bone transport distraction and dental implants.

Bone transport distraction is a reliable procedure in various maxillofacial bony defect reconstruction techniques. It is minimally invasive and it eliminates donor site morbidity. We introduce a new surgical technique for maxillary backward bone transport distraction reconstruction performed in a 77-year-old woman with a posterior partial maxillary defect. Transport distraction was successful for posterior maxillary alveolar bony regeneration, which helped close an oroantral fistula. One month after the distraction device was removed, 3 dental implants were placed in the reconstructed alveolus, followed by successful oral functional rehabilitation by use of an implant-anchored prosthesis. Two and a half years have passed since the patient's dental implant-based prosthesis was activated, and the functional occlusal reconstruction by use of bone transport distraction and dental implants after repair of the maxillectomy defect has proven to be effective with patient satisfaction. Copyright 2010 American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.