Distraction osteogenesis (DO) is a relatively new method of treatment for selected deformities and defects of the oral and facial skeleton. It was first used in 1903.
In the 1950s, the Russian orthopedic surgeon Dr. Gabriel Ilizarov slowly perfected the surgical and postoperative management of distraction osteogenesis treatment to correct deformities and repair defects of the arms and legs. His work went mostly unnoticed until presented to the Western Medical Society in the mid-1960s.
Distraction osteogenesis was initially used to treat defects of the oral and facial region in 1990. Since then, the surgical and technological advances made in the field of distraction osteogenesis have provided the oral and maxillofacial surgeons with a safe and predictable method to treat selected deformities of the oral and facial skeleton.
Dr. Nail uses distraction osteogenesis to treat selected deformities and defects. If you have questions about distraction osteogenesis, please call our office and schedule an appointment with Dr. Nail.
What does the term “distraction osteogenesis” mean? Simply stated, distraction osteogenesis means the slow movement apart (distraction) of two bony segments in a manner such that new bone is allowed to fill in the gap created by the separating segments.
Is the surgery for distraction osteogenesis more involved than “traditional surgery” for a similar procedure? No. Distraction osteogenesis surgery is usually done on an outpatient basis with most of the patients going home the same day of surgery. The surgical procedure itself is no more invasive than the removal of wisdom teeth, and the recovery is about the same as well.
Will my insurance company cover the cost of osteogenesis surgical procedure? Many insurance companies will cover the cost of the osteogenesis surgical procedure, provided that there is adequate and accurate documentation of the patient’s condition and it’s a procedure for which benefits are available under the terms and conditions of the patient’s insurance plan. Of course, individual benefits within an insurance company policy vary.
After you are seen for your consultation at our office, we will assist you in determining whether or not your insurance company will cover a particular surgical procedure.
Is distraction osteogenesis painful? Since all distraction osteogenesis surgical procedures are done while the patient is under both local and intravenous general anesthesia, pain during the surgical procedure is not an issue. Because of the local anesthesia given during the procedure, generally no discomfort is felt for up to several hours afterword.
Postoperatively, you will be supplied with appropriate analgesics (pain killers) to keep you comfortable, and antibiotics to prevent infection. You will be instructed to begin taking your analgesics before the local anesthesia wears off so that you can stay comfortable.
Activation of the distraction device to slowly separate the bones may cause some patients mild discomfort. In general, the slow movement of bony segments produces discomfort roughly analogous to having braces tightened.
What are the benefits of distraction osteogenesis vs. traditional surgery for a similar condition? Distraction osteogenesis surgical procedures typically produce less pain and swelling than the traditional surgical procedure for a similar condition. Distraction osteogenesis eliminates the need for bone grafts, and therefore, avoid creating another surgical site.
Lastly, distraction osteogenesis is associated with greater stability and gain in bone and soft tissue when used in major cases where significant movement of bony segments are involved.
What are the disadvantages of distraction osteogenesis? Distraction osteogenesis requires the patient to return to the surgeon’s office frequently during the initial two weeks after surgery. This is necessary because, in this time frame, the surgeon will need to closely monitor the patient for any infection and teach the patient how to activate the appliance. Also, a second minor surgical procedure is necessary to remove the distraction appliance, but this is usually accomplished at the time that any needed dental implants are placed, and can also be performed under intravenous general anesthesia, if desired.
Can distraction osteogenesis be used instead of bone grafts to add bone to my jaws? In some instances, distraction is preferable to bone grafts. Recent advances in technology have provided the oral and maxillofacial surgeon with very small and patient-friendly distraction devices that can be used to slowly grow bone in selected areas where bone loss that has occurred in the jaw. The newly-formed bone can then serve as an excellent foundation for dental implants.
Does distraction osteogenesis leave scars on the face? No. The entire surgery is performed within the mouth, and the distraction devices used by Dr. Nail remain inside the mouth until that phase of treatment is complete. There are no facial surgical incisions, and thus no facial scars.
Are there any age limitations for patients who can receive osteogenesis? No. distraction osteogenesis works well on patients of all ages. In general, the younger the patient the shorter the distraction time and the faster the consolidation phase. Adults require a slightly longer period of distraction and consolidation, because the bone regenerative capabilities are slightly slower than those of adolescence or infants.
