Abstract:
The described embodiments relate to a bone distraction plate device, which is surgically implanted, and a distraction tool for the purpose of growing new bone through the process of distraction. The device comprises a prosthesis housing a screw mechanism that attaches to a threaded post, which extends through tissue from an onlay plate and is surgically placed on the alveolar bone. The distraction tool is used to rotate the screw mechanism to create extension between the tissue and the onlay plate. After a brief, latent period, the screw mechanism is then activated daily using the distraction tool until the desired amount of new bone growth (height and width) is achieved.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation-in-part application and claims priority from U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/394,480 (Attorney Docket No. K0601.0003/P003), filed on Feb. 27, 2009, which claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/064,377, filed on Feb. 29, 2008, all of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Embodiments described herein relate generally to devices associated with dental implant systems and methods for growing new bone, more particularly, to a distraction tool associated with dental implant systems and surgical methods for encouraging new bone growth in areas of the mouth that have suffered bone loss and most particularly to distraction dental implant devices and methods for forming new bone growth and soft tissue by distraction osteogenesis in areas of the jaw bone. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Orthopedic surgeons have conventionally relied upon the process of distraction osteogenesis to reconstruct and lengthen bones. This process may involve placing a vascularized piece of bone under tension, thereby inducing native bone formation via the creation of a bony reparative callus, which can then be placed under tension to generate new bone. To effect distraction osteogenesis, a surgeon generally performs an osteotomy where sectioning or segmenting the bone into more than one piece occurs. As the bone segments heal, they will gradually expand over a period of time; the gradual expansion allows the blood vessels and nerve ends to remain intact during the distraction process. For example, the bone may extend a millimeter a day, often by performing two extensions of half a millimeter, for three or four days which allow the blood vessels and nerve ends to remain intact. 
         [0004]    As the gap between the bone segments widens, the natural healing capacity of the body can fill the void with new bone and adjacent soft tissue. Once the desired bone formation is achieved, the area may be allowed to heal and consolidate. Often, the distraction osteogenesis device is then removed. 
         [0005]    Premature tooth loss may limit a patient&#39;s ability to chew and speak clearly. In response, a growing number of patients are requesting tooth replacement. Conventionally, dentists have been able to replace missing teeth by various means such as a removable prosthesis (partial or complete dentures). Dentists have also used the placement of fixed bridge work cemented to adjacent teeth as a solution. These two conventional methods serve to fill the void of the edentulous space by replacing the crown of the involved teeth; these methods, however, fail to cure other problems associated with premature tooth loss, e.g., bone deterioration. 
         [0006]    Bone deterioration limits the surgical options available to dentists requiring a dentist to place a smaller than optimal sized dental implant. These smaller dental implants cannot accommodate the mechanical load from chewing and ultimately may loosen and/or fail. Moreover, the bone deterioration may cause a dental implant to be placed in a less than ideal location that is not as aesthetic or functional as would be considered optimal. 
         [0007]    One prior solution to this bone deterioration problem (if the bone loss was not significant) was to augment the bony bed with the patient&#39;s own bone or cadaveric bone, e.g., grafting, as a transplant, or with synthetic bone substitutes. If the bone loss was significant, the bone augmentation must be done as a first surgical procedure with the placement of the dental implant occurring several months later, as a second surgical procedure (once healing of the bone graft was completed). 
         [0008]    There is a need for a new distraction device and method for allowing the rapid regeneration of new bone growth, reducing a patient&#39;s aesthetic concerns, reducing the need for bone grafts, and preventing the actual cutting of the bone in an area of bone deficiency. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    The described embodiments relate to a bone distraction plate device, which is surgically implanted, for promoting new bone growth through the process of distraction. A specific embodiment includes a device comprising of a prosthesis housing a screw mechanism that attaches to a threaded post, which extends through tissue (transmucosa) from an onlay plate (comprising materials such as metals, bio-ceramics, bio-polymers or any combination thereof), and is surgically placed on the alveolar bone. After a brief latent period, the screw mechanism of the device is activated daily using a distraction tool until the desired amount of new bone growth (height and width) is achieved. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0010]      FIGS. 1-3  illustrate an embodiment described herein. 
           [0011]      FIG. 4  illustrates a second embodiment described herein. 
           [0012]      FIG. 5  illustrates a third embodiment described herein. 
           [0013]      FIGS. 6-9  illustrate various stages of operating the  FIG. 1  embodiment. 
           [0014]      FIG. 10  illustrates a fourth embodiment described herein. 
           [0015]      FIG. 11  illustrates a fifth embodiment described herein. 
           [0016]      FIG. 12  illustrates another view of the fifth embodiment described herein. 
           [0017]      FIG. 13  illustrates another, view of the fifth embodiment described herein. 
           [0018]      FIG. 14  illustrates another view of the fifth embodiment described herein. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0019]    Embodiments discussed herein provide techniques and apparatuses for promoting new bone growth and soft tissue by distraction osteogenesis in areas of the jaw bone and/or maxillofacial region. In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth, such as material types, dimensions, specific tissues, etc., in order to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. Practitioners having ordinary skill in the biomedical arts will understand that the invention may be practiced without many of these details. In other instances, well-known devices, methods, and biochemical processes have not been described in detail to avoid obscuring the invention. 
         [0020]    Embodiments discussed herein offer solutions to the foregoing problems by providing a bone distraction plate device that can enhance the structural integrity, and reduce bone deterioration. According to one embodiment ( FIGS. 1-3 ), the bone distraction plate device  100  comprises a plate component  110  and an expansion component  120 . The plate component  110  has a disc portion  111  and a threaded cylinder portion  112  (or apical portion) extending vertically from the center of the disc portion  111 . The expansion component  120  (coronal portion) operatively connects and controls the retraction of the plate component  110 . The plate component  110  and expansion component  120  can independently be formed of a material selected from one or more of the following materials: commercially pure Grade IV titanium, metal alloys or other metal substances. It should be noted that the metal substance should meet or exceed the parameters for materials used in dental implantology. It should be also appreciated that the plate and expansion components  110 ,  120  can be formed of a degradable or non-degradable bioceramic material, e.g., hydroxyapatite, reinforced polyethylene composite, betatricalciumphosphate, substituted calcium phosphates, bioactive glass, resorbable calcium phosphate, alumina, zirconia, etc. that may be manufactured as a solid structure. It should also be noted that a biodegradable polymer can be used in combination with the bioceramic material to form a composite material used to form the plate and expansion components  110 ,  120 . In the preferred embodiment, a hydroxyapatite material is utilized to form the plate and expansion components  110 ,  120 . The plate and expansion components  110 ,  120  can be formed by any type of material known in the art having characteristics that result in non-toxic byproducts. 
         [0021]    For example, plate and expansion components  110 ,  120  can be formed of synthetic polymers (alone or in combination) such as polyurethanes, polyorthoesters, polyvinyl alcohol, polyamides, polycarbonates, poly(ethylene)glycol, polylactic acid, polyglycolic acid, polycaprolactone, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, marine adhesive proteins, and cyanoacrylates, or analogs, mixtures, combinations, and derivatives of the above. Plate and expansion components  110 ,  120  can also be formed of naturally occurring polymers or natively derived polymers (alone or in combination) such as agarose, alginate, fibrin, fibrinogen, fibronectin, collagen, gelatin, hyaluronic acid, and other suitable polymers and biopolymers, or analogs, mixtures, combinations, and derivatives of the above. Also, plate and expansion components  110 ,  120  can be formed from a mixture of naturally occurring biopolymers and synthetic polymers. Alternatively, plate and expansion components  110 ,  120  can be formed of a collagen gel, a polyvinyl alcohol sponge, a poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) fiber matrix, a polyglactin fiber, a calcium alginate gel, a polyglycolic acid mesh, polyester (e.g., poly-(L-lactic acid) or a polyanhydride), a polysaccharide (e.g., alginate), polyphosphazene, or polyacrylate, or a polyethylene oxide-polypropylene glycol block copolymer. Plate and expansion components  110 ,  120  can be produced from proteins (e.g. extracellular matrix proteins such as fibrin, collagen, and fibronectin), polymers (e.g., polyvinylpyrrolidone), or hyaluronic acid. Synthetic polymers can also be used, including bioerodible polymers (e.g., poly(lactide), poly(glycolic acid), poly(lactide-co-glycolide), poly(caprolactone), polycarbonates, polyamides, polyanhydrides, polyamino acids, polyortho esters, polyacetals, polycyanoacrylates), degradable polyurethanes, non-erodible polymers (e.g., polyacrylates, ethylene-vinyl acetate polymers and other acyl substituted cellulose acetates and derivatives thereof), non-erodible polyurethanes, polystyrenes, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinyl fluoride, poly(vinylimidazole), chlorosulphonated polyolifins, polyethylene oxide, polyvinyl alcohol, teflon(R), and nylon. 
         [0022]    Bioceramic materials employed as the manufacturing material can fall into all three biomaterial classifications, i.e., inert, resorbable and active, meaning they can either remain unchanged, dissolve or actively take part in physiological processes. There are several calcium phosphate ceramics that are considered biocompatible and possible materials for the plate component  110 . Of these, most are resorbable and will dissolve when exposed to physiological environments, e.g., the extracellular matrix. Some of these materials include, in order of solubility: Tetracalcium Phosphate (Ca 4 P 2 O 9 )&gt;Amorphous calcium Phosphate&gt;alpha-Tricalcium Phosphate (Ca 3 (PO 4 ) 2 )&gt;beta-Tricalcium Phosphate (Ca 3 (PO 4 )2)&gt;&gt;Hydroxyapatite (Ca 10 (PO 4 ) 6 (OH) 2 ). Unlike the other certain calcium phosphates listed above, hydroxyapatite does not break down under physiological conditions. In fact, it is thermodynamically stable at physiological pH and actively takes part in bone bonding, forming strong chemical bonds with surrounding bone. This property is advantageous for rapid bone repair after surgery. Other bioceramic materials such as Alumina and Zirconia are known for their general chemical inertness and hardness. These properties can be exploited for implant device support purposes, where it is used as an articulating surface for implant devices. Porous alumina can also be used as a bone spacer, where sections of bone have had to be removed due to various conditions or diseases. The material acts as an environment that promotes bone growth. 
         [0023]    At times, biodegradable polymers suffer from warping, hollowing or substantial erosion inherent with the process of degradation. In order to manage such a problem, polymers with high crystallinity are utilized. Self-reinforced and ultrahigh strength bioabsorbable composites are readily assembled from partially crystalline bioabsorbable polymers, like polyglycolides, polylactides and glycolide/lactide copolymers. These materials have high initial strength, appropriate modulus and strength retention time from 4 weeks up to 1 year in-vivo, depending on the implant geometry. Reinforcing elements such as fibers of crystalline polymers, fibers of carbon in polymeric resins, and particulate fillers, e.g., hydroxyapatite, may also be used to improve the dimensional stability and mechanical properties of biodegradable devices. The use of interpenetrating networks (IPN) in biodegradable material construction has been demonstrated as a means to improve mechanical strength. To further improve the mechanical properties of IPN-reinforced biodegradable materials, biodegradable plates may be prepared as semi-interpenetrating networks (SIPN) of crosslinked polypropylene fumarate within a host matrix of poly(lactide-co-glycolide) 85:15 (PLGA) or poly(1-lactide-co-d,1-lactide) 70:30 (PLA) using different crosslinking agents. 
         [0024]    Resin composites with incorporated polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) particles improve the hydrophobicity and surface properties of device implants, e.g., components  110 ,  120 . PTFE has high resistance to chemical regents, low surface energy, tolerance to low and high temperatures, resistance to weathering, low friction wiring, electrical insulation, and slipperiness. However, because conventional PTFE has poor resistance to abrasion, the inventor contemplates cross-linking PTFE with gamma-beam irradiation can be employed to drastically enhances resistance to abrasion and deformation. Further, the composites made of braided carbon fibers and epoxy resins (so called biocompatible carbon-epoxy resin) have better mechanical properties than composites made of short or laminated unidirectional fibers. 
         [0025]    The outer surface of both the plate and expansion components  110 ,  120  (especially the plate component  110 ) can be conventionally covered/roughened with a surface coating for additional bone growth advantages known by one of ordinary skill in the art. The plate and expansion components  110 ,  120  having corresponding cylinder like portions (threaded cylinder portion  112  and hollow slot  125  (described below)), and can be conventionally threaded (externally on the plate component  110  and internally on the expansion component  120 ) with clockwise or counterclockwise treads. The threads of the plate component  110  start about two (2) mm (for example) from the base of the plate component  110  and continue vertically along the entire length of the cylinder  112  of the plate component  110 . 
         [0026]    The expansion component  120 , on the other hand, has a hollow slot  125  extending completely through, and within the full length, of the expansion component (completely from the top end  126  to the bottom end  127  of the expansion component  120 ) having threads. The hollow slot  125  has a cylindrical configuration and comprises internal clockwise or counterclockwise threads that correspond to respective threads on the cylinder  112  of the plate component  110 . The pitch of the threads on the plate and expansion components  110 ,  120  can be any pitch that promotes new bone growth of approximately 0.5 mm/day. Examples of a pitch that promotes new bone growth include, for example, 0.25 mm, 0.3 mm, 0.5 mm, 1.0 mm, 1.5 mm and 2.0 mm. The length of the expansion component  120  may vary depending on the required distraction; an example includes a length of the expansion component  120  of approximately 3.5 mm. In order to enable the surgeon or patient to easily read the distance of distraction after having activated the distraction expansion component  120  (as described below), the head of the expansion component  120  is preferably marked on the surface between the center and the side of the expansion component  120 . The mark may be an indentation in the expansion component  120  and/or may consist of a different color. 
         [0027]    Prior to, during and after initial placement of the bone distraction plate device  100 , the horizontal interface  122  between the plate and expansion components  110 ,  120  has a wide, noticeable gap  150  (See  FIG. 2 ). This interface may be smooth or have interlacing or interlocking complimentary locking members  131  on the facing surfaces  130 ,  140  of the plate and expansion components  110 ,  120 , respectively. Such members  131  would prevent rotation and torsion at the horizontal interface  122  during the healing process and before the plate and expansion components  110 ,  120  become integrated with the bone  105 . As described below, the expansion component  120  of the bone distraction plate device  100  provides for retraction between the plate and expansion components  110 ,  120  to form a distraction gap  150 , between the plate component  110  and the bone  105 . (See  FIGS. 1 and 2 ) 
         [0028]    As illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the expansion component  120  must be rotatable around the plate component  110 , as will be discussed in detail below. As mentioned above, expansion component  120  has internal threads that can operatively engage with external threads of plate component  110  of the bone distraction plate device  100  during implantation. The expansion component  120  is rotated and thus must not be fixedly connected to the plate component  110  in such a way as to prevent the expansion component  120  from freely rotating around the plate component  110  as the plate component  110  rotationally raises from the bone  105  as the gap  150  between the plate and expansion components  110 ,  120  is decreased axially during implantation by the interaction of the internal threads of the expansion component  120  with the external threads of the plate component  110 . Other conventional means for maintaining the rotatability of the expansion component  120  would be acceptable. The plate and expansion components  110 ,  120  may also be used to carry the load of the bone distraction plate device  100  by applying vertical forces to the alveolar bone. 
         [0029]    The plate component  110  remains stationary in the bone and rotational movement of the expansion component  120 , provided by, such as for example, the interaction of the threads of the expansion component  120  with the external threads of the plate component  110 , provide for the retraction of the plate component  110  to the expansion component  120  (See  FIGS. 6-9 ). The body then attempts to heal itself by filling in the gap  150  with new bone  106 . If the gap  150  is widened daily, the body recognizes the newly expanded gap  150  and continues to fill the gap  150  with new bone  106 . By expanding the gap  150  slowly over time (0.5-2.0 millimeters per day), the body will continue to heal the gap  150  and generate new bone  106 . Consequently, because the native bone is utilized as the template for repair, the new bone  106  generated will comprise the same size and shape as the original bone. Such results are advantageous and unique to new bone generation and are not accomplished when using other conventional bone transplantation techniques. Furthermore, during distraction osteogenesis, in addition to creating new bone, the overlying soft tissues are regenerated, a secondary gain unique to distraction osteogenesis. This secondary beneficial effect has significant clinical implications, for not only is the underlying foundation properly established, but also the overlying soft tissue is recreated providing for aesthetic and functional rehabilitation of the defect. 
         [0030]    When seated, the plate component  110  sits flush with the surface  160  of the bone  105 , while the threaded cylinder  112  extends beyond the surface of the plate component  110  through the mucosa  170 , intraorally (See  FIG. 6 ). Initially during implementation, the expansion component  120  sits atop the threaded cylinder  112 . The top surface  180  of the expansion component  120  has a hexagonal shaped aperture  190 . The aperture  190  provides the mechanical access to rotate the expansion component  120  to activate the distraction process via a corresponding L or T shaped hexagonal key  195  (See  FIG. 5 ). The hexagonal key is made from stainless steel, and causes retraction of the plate and expansion components  110 ,  120  of the bone distraction plate device  100  during operation, as will be described more fully below. 
         [0031]      FIGS. 11-14  illustrate an exemplary distraction tool  300 . As described above, the hexagonal key  195  can be used in combination with or replaced by, distraction tool  300 . Distraction tool  300  allows the surgeon and/or patient to rotate expansion component  120  a precise distance, for example one millimeter (1 mm) per day. It should be appreciated that distraction tool  300  could include an audible and/or visual indicator to allow the patient to judge the distracted distance with higher precision. 
         [0032]    Distraction tool  300  comprises a handle  310 , a rotator  320 , miter gears  330  (e.g., miter gear  333  and miter gear  335 ), a hex socket  340 , and a ratchet  350 . Handle  310  is rectangular in shape with a rounded end  312 . Handle  310  allows for greater hand control of distraction tool  300  during distraction and permits the teeth to clamp down and stabilize the device once in the mouth. The rounded end  312  allows for easier access into the mouth. The triangular rotator  320  allows for hand rotation of the hex socket  340 . Rotator  320  is connected to a shaft  322  with miter gear  333  at its end. Miter gear  333  acts simultaneously on another miter gear  335  that is positioned perpendicular to its axis and attached to hex socket  340 . Hence, when attached properly, distraction tool  300  converts input hand rotation into an equal amount of output hex rotation (e.g., 1:1 ratio). It should be appreciated that there could be a turning direction indicator  360  on the handle  310  for proper use. In operation, as an example, four turns of handle  310  could account for one full revolution, or one millimeter (1 mm), of distraction. Distraction tool  300  also comprises a ratchet  350  that will give an audible indication (e.g., a “click” sound) and lock into place when a full turn of rotation is made from the start position. 
         [0033]    A number of different materials could be employed as a manufacturing material for distraction tool  300 . For example, stainless steel or a polymer, such as Proplux® HS polypropylene (a medical grade and FDA approved thermoplastic) could be used. It should be appreciated that any number of materials known by one of ordinary skill could be employed to manufacture distraction tool  300 . For example, distraction tool  300  may be manufactured from a material that lends itself to patient safety and/or disposability. 
         [0034]      FIG. 10  illustrates a second embodiment in which an abutment component  210  can be integrated with the bone for attaching a prosthesis such as, for example, a crown, a bridge or dentures. The abutment component  210  has essentially the same dimensions of the expansion component  120 . The abutment component  210  is the component utilized as the base for a prosthesis such as, for example, a crown, a bridge or dentures after sufficient bone growth through distraction osteogenesis has been generated by the controlled separation of the two components  110 ,  120 . The end  212  of the abutment  210  must be operative to interlock with the expansion component  120  such that during bone integration, the two components  110 ,  120  remain fixedly connected. 
         [0035]    As illustrated in  FIGS. 4-9 , the operation of the bone distraction plate device  100  is described. The bone distraction plate device  100  is placed atop a series of aerated holes  198  formed within the alveolar bone in a predetermined site or area  197  where additional bone is required. Prior to any surgical technique, proper treatment planning should be performed, including a physical examination, X-ray studies and consultation with the dentist fabricating any necessary prosthesis. 
         [0036]    Once the patient has been conventionally prepared for surgery, a local anesthetic is given and infiltrated into the surgical site. After allowing adequate time for anesthesia and vasoconstriction, aerated holes  198  are made along the crest of dental ridge, in the predetermined site. The underlying bone is conventionally exposed by raising a full thickness mucoperiosteal flap with an elevator. The exposed bone is conventionally evaluated by palpitation for bone density and quality. 
         [0037]    In other embodiments using conventional drill methods, an osteotomy is created in the planned implant placement site. It should be noted that other conventional procedures could be used to create the osteotomy. All of the bone drilling procedures include copious amounts of irrigation, (internally and/or externally). The osteotomy site is enlarged by utilizing progressively wider drills. Optionally, the parallelism of the osteotomy site can be verified by X-rays. The final sized osteotomy site is completed by either utilizing the final, smooth, twist drill or by tapping in the threads corresponding to the combination distraction dental implant. At this point, the distraction plate device  100  is placed (See  FIG. 3 ) onto or into the bone  105  manually or by use of a conventional implant drill set at slow speeds, as is known by those skilled in the art. The wound is irrigated and, if osteotomies are formed, the incisions are conventionally closed with the aperture  190  being exposed, as described above. Osseous integration of the distraction plate device  100  into the bone is verified visually and tactilely. At this point, the patient has been prepared for the process of growing new bone by distraction osteogenesis prior to any prosthesis such as, for example, a crown, a bridge or dentures, if any, being connected. 
         [0038]    The patient is then educated as to the care and activation of the distraction plate device  100 . After allowing for a period of initial healing, a latency period (of about 5-7 days), the adjustable expansion component  120  is activated or maneuvered, (turned) thereby retracting the plate component  110  to the expansion component  120  (about 1.0 mm per day) in divided doses, and thus creating a distraction gap  150  above the bone. The patient is also educated to make the adjustment necessary to increase or widen the gap  150  each day. Thereafter, the patient is seen for follow-up and evaluation as appropriate. Since the typical height of a natural tooth crown above the gum is about eight (8) mm, in order to properly function, the distal end  185  of the expansion component  120  should not extend above the level of the lowest adjacent tooth crown. 
         [0039]    After sufficient bone height (about 5 mm to about 15 mm) is achieved, the distraction process is halted and the expansion component  120  is removed and replaced with a prosthesis. It should be appreciated, however, that the expansion component  120 , in some embodiments, can be left in place. The newly grown bone  106 , however, is still relatively weak and incompletely ossified, a period of about four to about six weeks is required before the fabrication and installation of the final prosthesis such as, for example, a crown, a bridge or dentures. Additionally during this period, a prosthesis, e.g., abutment component  210 , can replace the expansion component  120 , or be used in combination with the expansion component  120  (e.g., abutment component  210 ), and becomes incorporated with the bone thereby increasing the rigidity of the installed bone distraction plate device  100 . 
         [0040]      FIGS. 6-9  illustrates the distraction process according to an embodiment described herein.  FIG. 6  shows the bone distraction plate device  100  newly installed in an area having insufficient bone to support an optimal dental implant.  FIG. 7  shows an intermediate bone growth situation where some bone has been regenerated but not enough to support an optimal dental implant. It should be noted that the separation between the plate  110  and expansion  120  components has decreased, i.e., a decreased distraction gap  150 .  FIG. 8  shows another intermediate bone regeneration position.  FIG. 9  shows the final result if an abutment is positioned on the distraction plate device  100 . 
         [0041]    The foregoing description illustrated one specific application of the technique and technology of distraction osteogenesis to the field of dental implants using an exemplary distraction plate device and method. Since conventional dental implants have similar basic forms, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the potential combinations of the distraction plate device is unlimited. By modifying minor details of the basic design, such as, for example, splitting the dental implant horizontally 60/40% rather than the 50/50% as described, altering the length or taper of the expansion component, changing the pitch of the screws, etc., are just a few of the unlimited possible variations. 
         [0042]    Nevertheless, in all possible variations, the basic concept remains as described, i.e., utilizing the bone distraction plate device  100  having plate and expansion components  110 ,  120  to achieve sufficient bone generation in an area of deficient bone in order to place an optimum dental implant. Advantages of embodiments described herein include providing new bone growth and soft tissue formation, thereby, reducing the number and morbidity of surgical procedures a patient is subjected to during the distraction as compared to the prior surgical procedures. Additionally, the distraction plate device described above provides for increased versatility by using an expansion component  120  to continuously adjust the distraction gap  150  during the bone regeneration process without additional surgical procedures. 
         [0043]    One way to enhance the bone healing process during this procedure would be to introduce bone growth factors such as bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) to the area of distraction. These two classes of bone growth factors have been shown to accelerate bone regeneration, bone healing to prosthetic-like implants, and increase strength and stability to the bony callus. The bone growth factors could be delivered to the area of distraction by a variety of methods. One method would be to introduce the bone growth factors in combination with a collagen matrix, which could be a gel- or sponge-like material, to the area of distraction. The bone growth factor would stimulate the patient&#39;s own bone cells into action, while the collagen would provide the scaffolding into which the stimulated bone cells can grow. In the end, bone could replace the collagen scaffold, which may be eventually resorbed. Fibrinogen, a-thrombin, as well as other various antibiotics, growth hormones, gene therapies, or combinations of these factors may also be utilized in the distraction plate device  100  to promote healthy bone growth. The BMP material may be infused as a liquid or viscous gel substance. 
         [0044]    Another method of delivery could be to coat the actual bone distraction plate device  100  with the bone growth factor in combination with hydroxyapatite, which would have a synergic stimulative effect on the bone cells. For this to be accomplished, a specific amount of the bone growth factor would be absorbed to a gritblasted hydroxyapatite coated implant or distraction plate device prior to implantation. 
         [0045]    The embodiments of the bone distraction plate device and method reduce the number of surgical procedures required to place a dental implant in an area initially having insufficient bone to support an optimal implant and is more aesthetically pleasing during the actual distraction process as compared to conventional devices and methods. It should be also be appreciated to those skilled in the art that the above concept of a bone distraction plate device is not limited to use as a dental implant and could be used as a general distraction device in the maxillofacial region. 
         [0046]    Changes and modifications in the specifically described embodiments and methods can be carried out without departing from the scope of the invention which is intended to be limited only by the scope of the appended claims.