The Endo-Distractor for preimplant mandibular regeneration

Area of Science:

• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Regenerative Medicine
• Biomaterials Engineering

Background:

• Severe mandibular atrophy poses challenges for dental implant placement.
• Vertical distraction osteogenesis is a technique to augment bone volume.
• Novel devices are needed to improve the efficacy and safety of distraction osteogenesis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the clinical application of the Endo-Distractor Krenkel for vertical distraction osteogenesis.
• To assess the outcomes in edentulous patients with highly atrophic mandibles.
• To analyze the stability, patient comfort, and implant success rates.

Main Methods:

• The Endo-Distractor Krenkel was used in 18 patients with highly atrophic mandibles.
• Patients were followed for at least 36 months post-distraction.
• Mandibular atrophy was assessed using lateral cephalograms and Atwood's classification.

Main Results:

• A mean distraction amplitude of 11.3mm was achieved.
• Implant success rates were high, with only 4 out of 75 implants lost due to infection.
• Two cases of mandibular fracture occurred, one requiring osteosynthesis.

Conclusions:

• Alveolar distraction is feasible and effective for severely atrophic mandibles.
• The Endo-Distractor Krenkel provides satisfactory functional and esthetic bone and gum reconstruction.
• This technique offers reduced surgical difficulty and complication rates compared to traditional methods.