Alveolar Distraction Osteogenesis

Osteodistraction was initially performed in the lengthening of the lower part of the limbs, then it was largely forgotten was subsequently applied to craniofacial region.The principle of distraction osteogenesis is based on thecallus formation induced by traction force between vascularized bone surfaces following osteotomy. Following its application in facial bones , this principle has been applied to vertically deficient alveolar bone. Reconstruction of the alveolus ischallenging because the deformity involves deficiencies in both the bone and mucosa. Development of miniature internal distraction devices has made alveolar distraction osteogenesis practical clinically.Distraction osteogenesis avoids the donor site morbidty associated with bone grafting and the complication that accompany the recipient site. In contrast it has advantage of simultaneous distraction of bone and soft tissue, while the original pre-operative attached mucosa remains at the crest.In this book the author presents the experience in vertical alveolar ridgeaugmentation using indigenously designed intraoral eccentric distractors.