The present study was aimed to investigate the effect of osseointegration according to implant placement timing in the distracted alveolar bone using intraoral distraction device. Six adult mongrel dogs of either sex, weighing about 15kg, were used. The animals were divided into 4-week and 8-week groups according to the timing of implant installation. The left upper and lower premolars and first molars were extracted and an alveoloplasty was performed to simulate an atrophic ridge. After 12 weeks of healing, a segmental osteotomy was made and an intraoral distraction device which was designed for augmentation of vertical height of the edentulous ridge was applied. Latency period was allowed for 5 days and then distraction was made at a rate of 1.2mm/day for 8 days. Four or eight weeks after distraction, implants were installed. Twelve weeks after implant installation, the animals were sacrificed. Macroscopic, radiographic, and histologic examinations of distracted alveolar ridge were performed.
No significant abnormalities such as infection and dehiscence of overlying soft tissue were observed. Radiographically, there was slight bone resorption around the medial and distal edges of the alveolar bone segment, and a new bone deposition was observed in the neighboring alveolar crest area in the both groups. The satisfactory osseointegration was achieved in the distracted gap of the both groups, but fibrous tissue appeared on the buccal side of implant in the distracted gap in 4-week group.
These results suggest that proper timing of implant installation is 8 weeks rather than 4 weeks after distraction when dental implant is to be placed onto the distracted bone.
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