Vertical Mandibular Alveolar Bone Distraction and Dental Implant Placement: A Case Report
Extensive bone defects complicate the adequate placement of dental implants and the required angulation. In such cases, alveolar-ridge augmentation techniques such as guided bone regeneration, particulate or block grafting, and alveolar bone distraction are needed. The present study describes a case in which a large vertical bone defect in the anterior mandibular zone was corrected via vertical alveolar bone distraction. Six dental implants were posteriorly placed for implant-supported restoration of the mandible, with early implant loading. The clinical and radiologic control showed good implant and soft tissue conditions 12 months later.Abstract

Contributor Notes
Miguel Peñarrocha-Diago, DDS, PhD, is an assistant professor of Oral Surgery and director of the Master of Oral Surgery and Implantology program, M. Dolores Gómez-Adrián, DDS, is a resident in the Master of Oral Surgery and Implantology program, and Fabio Camacho-Alonso, DDS, DS, and Javier Rambla-Ferrer, DDS, are masters of Oral Surgery and Implantology at Valencia University Medical and Dental School in Spain. Address correspondence to Dr Peñarrocha-Diago, Gascó Oliag 1, Unidad Médico-Quirúrgica, Clínica Odontológica, 46021, Valencia, Spain.
Abel García-García, MD, PhD, is an assistant professor of Oral Surgery and director of the Master of Oral Surgery and Implantology program at Santiago de Compostela University Medical and Dental School in Spain.