Analysis of complications following alveolar distraction osteogenesis and implant placement in the partially edentulous mandible.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate complications before, during, and after vertical alveolar distraction osteogenesis and to assess the survival rate of dental implants placed in distracted bone. STUDY DESIGN In a consecutive series, 37 patients with 45 alveolar ridge deficiencies of the partially edentulous mandible were treated with 14 intraosseous and 31 subperiosteal distraction devices. Seventy-two dental implants could be placed at the time of distractor removal and 21 implants at a second stage. RESULTS Complications associated with the distraction procedure affected 75.7% of patients. The majority of complications were of minor nature with the exception of fractures of basal bone (n = 3), fracture of transport segment (n = 1), breakage of distractor (n = 1), and severe mechanical problems (n = 3). Eleven secondary grafting procedures were necessary to allow the placement of dental implants. Implant survival was 95.7% (mean postloading follow-up: 35.7 months). CONCLUSION Vertical alveolar distraction osteogenesis is not an uncomplicated procedure; however, long-term survival of dental implants inserted into distracted areas is satisfactory.