Evolving surgical prosthetic rehabilitation protocol for success of dental implant placed in distracted alveolar ridge

Background Remodelling of bone in the form of resorption generally follows the extraction of a tooth. During all stages of atrophy of the alveolar ridge, characteristic shapes result from the resorptive process, as influenced by anatomic alterations in the alveolar bone. Various ridge augmentation procedures have been documented as predictable means of establishing new vital bone for implant placement, out of which distraction osteogenesis is one such modality. Hence the following study has been conducted to evolve a surgico- prosthetic rehabilitation protocol in grossly atrophic alveolar ridge by distraction osteogenesis and subsequent implant placement and to provide an effective alternative to lost dental tissue to serving soldiers, their families and ex-servicemen of the Indian Army in a cost effective manner.