Alveolar Ridge Augmentation: Andrade & Lander
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Alberto Andrade-Guerra, DDS, Alberto Lander, DDS

Distraction Appliances

Our first device is an alveolar distractor consting of a hollow interosseous implant that is internally threaded to guide a threaded distraction rod. The head of the distraction rod is only 1 mm tall and has a polished surface, which allows the rod to freely rotate on the bone surface. The opposite end of the distraction rod includes a special slot for screw driver activation. The device is generally used to increase the height of the mandibular aveolar ridge. In addition, it may serve as the base for either an abutment or a ball denture.

FIG. 6.4.3.1, 6.4.3.2. Diagram (left) and photograph of the model (right) demonstrating the structure and operation of the distraction device for alveolar ridge augmentation. Note the polished screw head at the bottom end of the device.