Device and method for enhancing the shape, mass, and strength of alveolar and intramembranous bone

摘要

A device and method is presented for enhancing the shape, mass, and strength of alveolar and intramembranous bone, primarily in areas of bony deficit. In one embodiment, the device is made up of a hollow body which forms a housing to contain a drive train and provide a surface for attaching mounting elements. A worm gear activating element which meshes with a threaded lead screw acts as the drive train. A carrier is coupled by threads to the lead screw. As the worm gear is turned, the lead screw rotates and causes the carrier to move along the axis of rotation of the lead screw. In this embodiment, the soft tissue in a region of tooth loss is reflected to expose the atrophic bone site. A piece of bone harvested from the exposed area or other bone attractant material is attached to the carrier. The soft tissue is adapted over the carrier and sutured, and the assembly is attached to available dental structures. After initiation of biological bridging between the harvested bone and the host bone, the drive train is activated to move the carrier. Newly formed bone grows in the path of motion of the carrier between the harvested bone and the underlying bone.