Distraction of the alveolar crest

The surgical procedure and clinical results of the Groningen Distraction Device (GDD) to augment the severely resorbed edentulous mandible are described. The GGD is non-voluminous, and consists of 2 distraction screws and I guide screw. Two months after the last day of distraction, both distraction screws are replaced by endosseous implants and the guide screw is removed. Three months later prosthetic treatment can be started. So far 14 patients have been treated. In all patients the ridge could be enlarged to enable reliable insertion of endosseous implants with a length of at least 12mm. No complications occurred during the distraction period. One implant was lost during the healing phase. Biopsies taken from the distraction site revealed formation of lamellar bone parallel to the distraction vector. It is concluded that the GGD has the potential for reliable augmentation of the anterior segment of a severely resorbed alveolar ridge to enable insertion of endosseous implants with adequate length and primary stability.