Versatility of Vertical Distraction Osteogenesis and Sticky Bone in Three-Dimensional Augmentation for Atrophic Alveolar Ridge

Aim. This prospective study was designed to evaluate three-dimensional (3-D) alveolar ridge augmentation through two stages surgical approach, using vertical alveolar distraction osteogenesis (VADO) followed by onlay sticky bone covered by collagen membrane, for augmentation of the atrophic alveolar ridge to facilitate implant installation. Subjects and Methods: Ten patients with atrophic alveolar ridge were treated by VADO. After bone consolidation the distractors were removed, implants were inserted, sticky bone graft was packed at buccal aspect, and covered by guided tissue regeneration (GTR) membrane. The implants were loaded after three months of its placement. Clinical evaluation was done to assess wound healing and implant stability. Also, the following parameters were evaluated on orthopantomography and cone–beam computed tomography; relapse in the distracted bone, crestal bone loss around the implant and bone density around the implant. All data was statistical analysed. Results: Mean vertical bone gain was 6.5 mm (range 5-8 mm), and the mean width gain was 4 mm ( range 3-5mm). There was 100% survival rate of all implants. There was significant decrease in the mean bone height throughout all periods. Also, significant improvement in bone density around the implant was reported along follow up periods. Conclusion: VADO followed by onlay sticky bone graft with GTR can be successfully performed to gain proper 3-D measurements of alveolar ridge that are essential for ideal implant installation in severe atrophic mandibular alveolar ridge.