Use of horizontal alveolar distraction osteogenesis for implant placement in a narrow alveolar ridge: a case report

Although alveolar distraction is a promising method for ridge augmentation involving the atrophic maxilla or mandible for implant placement, techniques of horizontal and oblique alveolar distraction for expanding a narrow alveolar ridge have not been established. A case of horizontal alveolar distraction for implant placement using a titanium mesh plate and a distraction screw is reported. Horizontal alveolar distraction was performed on a patient with an extremely atrophic alveolar ridge in the anterior mandibular region. Two transport segments using horizontal osteotomies were prepared, and 2 horizontal alveolar distraction devices were inserted. After a 7-day waiting period, the devices were activated and alveolar widening was performed labially (0.225 mm twice a day for 14 consecutive days). Three months after consolidation, the distraction devices were removed. The distracted areas were completely filled with newly formed solid bone tissue. Two months after the device was removed, 4 endosseous implants were placed and an implant-supported definitive prosthesis was placed. This method of horizontal alveolar distraction appears to be clinically useful for the placement of implants in atrophic or knife-edged alveolar ridges.