Journal of Oral Implantology; 32; 3; 137-141; 2006. Peñarrocha-Diago M, Gómez-Adrián MD, García-García A, Camacho-Alonso F, Rambla-Ferrer J. Implantology program, Valencia University Medical and Dental School, Spain.
Extensive bone defects complicate the adequate placement of dental implants and the required angulation. In such cases, alveolar-ridge augmentation techniques such as guided bone regeneration, particulate or block grafting, and alveolar bone distraction are needed. The present study describes a case in which a large vertical bone defect in the anterior mandibular zone was corrected via vertical alveolar bone distraction. Six dental implants were posteriorly placed for implant-supported restoration of the mandible, with early implant loading. The clinical and radiologic control showed good implant and soft tissue conditions 12 months later.
