“Distraction” of Grafted Alveolar Bone in Cleft Case Using Endosseous Implant

Abstract

Abstract Objective: Presentation of a specific surgical technique of vertical alveolar ridge distraction performed on an alveolar bone graft 1 year after the primary grafting procedure designed to correct a labioalveolar cleft. The graft had not obtained the results desired and presented heavily scarred mucosal tissue. Technique: A dental implant placed within the graft once it has been entirely freed by osteotomies functions as an endless screw. To avoid vascular risk, the alveolar bone graft is detached as a whole along its total height. Consequently, no bone remains above it to provide support for a conventional alveolar distractor. An osteosynthetic miniplate, fastened in a horizontal position beneath the nasal mucosae above the graft, is used to replace the missing bony support and to stabilize the implant, which activates the distraction process. Patient: This study is based on our first clinical case with a follow-up of 18 months at present. Result: A vertical displacement of the entire graft was a...