Repeated distraction osteogenesis for excessive vertical alveolar augmentation: a case report

In this article, a procedure involving 2-stage alveolar distraction osteogenesis using eccentric distraction devices for the augmentation of resorbed transplanted iliac bone following mandibular tumor resection is presented. A 6-month consolidation period was allowed between the first and second distractions, and endosseous implants were placed 4 months after the second distraction. Computerized tomographic images obtained before the implantation revealed that, 10 months after the first distraction, the bone generated still showed lower density compared with the basal bone, but the bone from both distractions showed enough maturity for implantation. It may be concluded that 2-stage alveolar distraction osteogenesis can be a useful and safe procedure for excessive alveolar lengthening if a sufficiently long consolidation period is allowed.