Distraction Osteogenesis of Severely Resorbed Mandible.

Edentulous patients require an adequate rehabilitation so that the alveolar ridge in the interforaminal region be restored for subsequent implant-supported overdentures. The ultimate goal of distraction is to reconstruct the alveolar ridge to a suitable height and width compatible with Atwood class 2 in an appropriate direction allowing the sagittal interalveolar relation to be normally restored. Methods . A 65-year-old man presented with a grade 4 Mandibular atrophy as per Atwood classification which resulted in unsatisfactory treatment with full dentures. Endo-Distractor Krenkel® device was used for anterior mandibular vertical distraction osteogenesis. Four mandibular implants (ITI Straumann, Basel, Switzerland) measuring diameter Ø = 4.1 mm and length L = 16 mm were inserted after the required retention period. Standardized prosthetic treatment was completed with titanium bar retained over dentures. Results . A distraction of 11 mm was achieved within 18 days followed by a retention period of 4 months. No signs of infection nor distractor anchorage loosening were detected, and minimal lingual tilting has occurred. Conclusion . Distraction is possible on severely atrophic mandibles. The quality of bone reconstruction is satisfactory for both functional and esthetic results.