Horizontal alveolar distraction: A surgical technique with the transport segment pedicled to the mucoperiosteum

Abstract

The study goal was to describe a surgical technique for performing horizontal alveolar distraction with the aim of increasing the width of alveolar ridges that are too narrow for dental implant placement. A transport segment is cut from the vestibular side of the ridge, using osteotomes, and maintaining extensive attachment to the mucoperiosteum. The distraction screw is placed through the vestibular mucosa and the transport segment, in vestibular-palatal direction. Distraction is then performed to increase ridge width. We successfully applied this technique in a patient who required 2 dental implants at adjacent sites in the upper jaw but whose alveolar ridge was too narrow for direct implantation. With horizontal distraction, ridge width was successfully increased, allowing placement of the 2 implants (diameter, 3.3 and 4.1 mm). This technique shows promise for patients requiring implants in a narrow alveolar ridge. Depending on each patients specific requirements, we suggest that it be taken into account as a possible alternative to existing techniques.