Distraction osteogenesis for augmentation of the deficient alveolar ridge

Distraction osteogenesis is a technique in which new bone generation and soft tissue proliferation are achieved by means of distraction or lengthening of the preexisting native bone. This technique has its origins in orthopedic surgery and has been used more extensively in the craniofacial region over the past few years. It has been successfully used to treat patients with mandibular, maxillary, and midface deficiencies, and its use for augmentation of the resorbed or atrophic dento-alveolar ridge is currently being explored. In this report, the technique of alveolar distraction is discussed and two cases are presented in detail.