Interest and outcomes of alveolar distraction osteogenesis for dental implant rehabilitation following mandibular reconstruction

Abstract

Introduction: Alveolar distraction osteogenesis (ADO) is one of vertical bone augmentation technique used to restore the vertical bone discrepancy between the transplanted graft and the residual alveolar bone after mandibular reconstruction. The aim of this article is to present the clinical outcomes of ADO applied to reconstructed mandible for three patients. Observation: Three patients underwent alveolar distraction osteogenesis procedure on mandibula reconstructed by fibula free flap (n = 2) or iliac crest free flap (n = 1). The mean bone height increase was 11 mm. 16 implants have been placed in all patients, with a success rate of 100% and a mean follow-up of 25 months. Two complications occurred without compromising the final outcome of the procedure: one fracture of the basal bone and one bony interference, both during activation phase. Commentaries: ADO can be performed on reconstructed mandible with free flap to restore alveolar height. An acceptable implant-to-crown ratio allows an optimal supported implant prosthesis. The particular antecedent of our patients can lead to uncommon complications such as basal bone fracture, but doesn't seem to compromise implant placement with good success rate. Conclusions: ADO performed on reconstructed mandible allows appropriate dental implant rehabilitation, achieving good esthetics and occlusal outcomes.