Alveolar ridge widening by distraction osteogenesis: a case report

Alveolar width deficiencies have generally been corrected by guided tissue regeneration or bone augmentation with and without membranes. The use of distraction osteogenesis is proposed for the correction of horizontal alveolar width defects. In this case report, horizontal bone generation by distraction osteogenesis was achieved prior to implant placement. Following implant restoration, favorable bone response was observed after two years of function. Distraction osteogenesis to widen the alveolus may prove to be a clinically useful treatment option in selected cases.