Sagittal Distraction of Edentulous Maxillary Skeletal Base Prior to Implant Therapy

Edentulous patients presenting with atrophic ridges and severe prognathic ridge relation are difficult to rehabilitate. Correction of the malrelation of the jaws is an absolute prerequisite for their successful prosthetic rehabilitation. A majority of the established surgical techniques to correct combined sagittal and vertical discrepancies of edentulous jaws are often prolonged and complex with attendant morbidity. However, distraction of the edentulous atrophic maxilla by an internal appliance has been found to be a simple, predictable and stable option for the treatment of these patients. This article presents a report of sagittal distraction of edentulous maxillary skeletal base to correct preprosthetic ridge discrepancies in two patients.