OBJECTIVETo evaluate the clinical result of alveolar vertical distraction osteogenesis for implant.

METHODS19 cases with severe vertical alveolar defects (more than 10 mm defect) underwent vertical distraction procedure before implant placement. 15 cases were male and 4 cases were female. The alveolar bone defects were caused by tumor resection in 10 cases, by trauma in 8 cases, and due to congenital defect in 1 case. The vertical defects in all cases were over 10 mm. X-ray examination were taken prior to operation and in 1 week, 2 week, 4 week, the end of active distraction and before removing distractor. Implants were placed in 17 cases after removing distractors. The prosthesis were finished 6 month later.

RESULTS11 cases out of 19 had implant prosthesis. 6 cases had implant in the jaw but waiting for the prosthesis. Altogether 65 dental implants were placed, 2 cases did not receive further implant treatment because of cost problem. The study showed that new bone formed after distraction in all 19 cases. Average gained height of new bone was 13 mm.

COMPLICATIONSUnexpected mandible fracture in 2 cases, infection in 1 case.

CONCLUSIONSAlveolar vertical distraction is a good alterative for severe alveolar defects. The distractor should be further developed and modified.