Background: The present study evaluates implant survival and peri-implant bone loss around posterior mandible dental implants placed at sites of distraction osteogenesis.

Methods: On removal of the distraction devices, 34 dental implants were inserted into 14 posterior mandible sites in 10 healthy, non-smoking female patients. Prosthetic treatment was performed 4 months after implant placement using fixed implant prostheses. After 6 to 16.5 months, periapical radiographs were taken and evaluated for peri-implant bone loss and radiolucency. The distance between the implant margin and the first visible bone–implant contact was measured on the mesial and distal aspects of the implants using imaging software. Radiographic dimensional distortion was corrected as a function of the known true dimension of the implant.

Results: Of the 34 implants placed, two (5.9%) failed to integrate at reentry surgery. Both were replaced and restored during the course of the study so that a total of 34 implants was followed for 12.1 ± 3.8 months post-restoration and 16.1 ± 3.8 months post-insertion. Mean loss of marginal bone height was 2.6 ± 1.0 mm. During the follow-up period, radiolucent lines along the implant surface were absent.

Conclusions: The mean peri-implant bone loss in areas of alveolar bone distraction was 1.9 mm/year. A high implant survival rate was observed.