Aim. This prospective study was designed to evaluate three-dimensional
(3-D) alveolar ridge augmentation through two stages surgical approach, using vertical
alveolar distraction osteogenesis (VADO) followed by onlay sticky bone covered by
collagen membrane, for augmentation of the atrophic alveolar ridge to facilitate implant
installation. Subjects and Methods: Ten patients with atrophic alveolar ridge were
treated by VADO. After bone consolidation the distractors were removed, implants
were inserted, sticky bone graft was packed at buccal aspect, and covered by guided
tissue regeneration (GTR) membrane. The implants were loaded after three months
of its placement. Clinical evaluation was done to assess wound healing and implant
stability. Also, the following parameters were evaluated on orthopantomography
and cone–beam computed tomography; relapse in the distracted bone, crestal bone
loss around the implant and bone density around the implant. All data was statistical
analysed. Results: Mean vertical bone gain was 6.5 mm (range 5-8 mm), and the mean
width gain was 4 mm ( range 3-5mm). There was 100% survival rate of all implants.
There was significant decrease in the mean bone height throughout all periods. Also,
significant improvement in bone density around the implant was reported along follow
up periods. Conclusion: VADO followed by onlay sticky bone graft with GTR can be
successfully performed to gain proper 3-D measurements of alveolar ridge that are
essential for ideal implant installation in severe atrophic mandibular alveolar ridge.