Horizontal alveolar ridge augmentation using distraction osteogenesis: comparison with a bone-splitting method in a dog model

Objective Although horizontal alveolar distraction osteogenesis (DO) appears to be a viable option for implant placement in a narrow alveolar ridge, relatively few reports exist on horizontal DO. Horizontal DO using a titanium mesh plate is similar to alveolar bone splitting, but without a bone graft. Therefore, this study compared 2 methods of bone augmentation, horizontal DO and a bone-splitting (BS) method with bone graft, using an experimental dog model. Study design Five beagle dogs were studied. The experiments were designed in a spit-mouth manner. One side of the alveolar ridge of the mandible was 4 mm expanded using horizontal DO, followed by implant placement 2 months after augmentation. The other side of the ridge of the mandible was 4 mm augmented using a bone splitting (BS) method with a bone graft combined with simultaneous implant placement. Results The average amount of bone gain on the DO side (2.7 mm) was significantly greater than that on the BS side (1.7 mm) ( P = .008) The keratinized soft tissue gain on the DO side (2.8 mm) was significantly greater than that on the BS side (0.6 mm) ( P = .02). Resonance frequency analysis revealed that implants placed in the distracted area achieved good stability compared with those on the BS side. The implants were fully embedded in mature lamellar bone, and direct bone contact with the implant surface was seen 3 months after implant placement in the distracted area. Conclusions Horizontal alveolar ridge distraction appears be an effective technique for the placement of implants in a narrow alveolar ridge.