Purpose: The aim of this study was to compare two consolidation periods in alveolar distraction osteogenesis (ADO) and to evaluate their effects on success of bone formation, relapse and implants.

Patients and methods: Eighteen patients undergoing vertical ADO due to severely atrophic edentulous mandibles were divided into two subgroups. Fallowing the operations consolidation periods of five weeks for Group 1 and 12 weeks for Group 2 was waited. Two implants at canine areas were placed to all patients. Fallowing two months removable dentures were reconstructed. Bone height and relapse were evaluated using digital ortopantomographic radiographs.

Results: The radiological findings show that, at the end of consolidation period, the mean for bone relapse was 0.832 ± 0.135 mm in Group 1 and 0.738 ± 0.135 mm in Group 2. At the end of six months, it was 1.380 ± 0.144 mm in Group 1 and 1.112 ± 0.144 mm in Group 2. At the end of the first year, it was 1.590 ± 0.197 mm in Group 1 and 1.441 ± 0.197 mm in Group 2. For both groups, implant survival rates were identical (94.4%). No statistically significant difference existed between the two groups, at all times, with regard to distraction, relapse, and marginal bone resorption.

Conclusion: To enhance patient comfort, 5 weeks of consolidation period seems to provide satisfactory maturation time for ADO, if dental implants replaced with ADO device.

Conflict of interest: None declared.