Alveolar ridge augmentation by distraction osteogenesis using titanium implants: an experimental study.

The left mandibular premolars were extracted from five adult dogs. After twelve weeks, a box-shaped osteotomy of the alveolar bone was carried out and two 10 mm implants were placed 5 mm into the transport alveolar segment, leaving 5 mm exposed. The alveolar bone was vertically augmented 5 mm by screwing the implants. After distraction, the implants were left to integrate into the bone. Histological and radiographical evaluations showed the lifting of the transport segment and the development of new bone in the distraction area. Although integration of implants within both the transport segment and the regenerated bone was observed, two of the ten implants failed and partial bone resorption of the transport segment was noted.