Distraction Osteogenesis

Distraction osteogenesis is a newer mode of bone regeneration used in dentistry to repair lost bone. This procedure is performed to correct deformities of the oral and facial skeleton. Originally used to treat defects in the arms and legs, the practice of distraction osteogenesis was expanded to repair cranial defects in 1990 and is used as an alternative to bone grafting today.

Genetics, trauma, and other conditions may cause the jaw bone to atrophy, making it difficult for many people to become candidates for implant-based restoration or achieve a healthy bone structure. Distraction osteogenesis aims to rebuild lost bone for functional purposes, as well as to prepare for dental implants. Contact Utah Surgical Arts in Provo, Payson, South Jordan, and Lehi today to learn more about this remarkable bone repair treatment and schedule your appointment.

Benefits of Distraction Osteogenesis

This treatment is similar to a bone graft, which is a grafting material placed where more bone is needed. Bone grafts stimulate your natural bone to heal around the graft, resulting in new, healthy bone. Distraction osteogenesis works similarly, but involves slowly pulling bone apart so that new bone can grow in the open space. It does not require the use of a graft.

This treatment offers many benefits, including:

• No visible scarring, as all cuts are made inside the mouth
• Patients who opt for this treatment may not require bone grafts at all
• More patients are able to qualify for dental implants
• More controlled bone movement compared to bone grafting techniques
• Suitable for patients of all ages

You or a loved one may need to undergo distraction osteogenesis if you have a congenital craniofacial defect, such as a cleft palate; Crouzon, Apert, or other craniosynostosis syndromes; or an improperly formed lower jaw. Distraction osteogenesis can also be used to correct facial injuries resulting from trauma or in the place of bone graft surgery.

The Distraction Osteogenesis Process

The procedure itself is a safe and predictable method for correcting facial and oral defects. We use CBCT scans to assess the state of the jaw bone prior to any surgical treatment, ensuring predictable results. During distraction osteogenesis, two segments of bone are spread apart slowly until they are placed into the corrected position. This gradual spreading of the bone segments allows regenerated soft tissue to form and eventually turn into new, longer bone.

Patients undergoing distraction osteogenesis will be scheduled for two separate surgeries. In the first surgical procedure, the distraction device is placed across a cut area of bone. By turning the pin in the distraction device at precise intervals and distances, the patient will slowly stretch the bone segments apart over the next 7–14 days. In the 6–8 weeks that follow, the patient must allow time for the regenerated tissue to heal and turn into new bone. Once this new bone has hardened, the device is removed in a second, short surgical procedure.

Most patients say that distraction osteogenesis is less painful than braces or other orthodontic treatments. During the surgical procedures, patients are placed under general anesthesia and do not experience pain. Post-operative pain can often be managed with painkillers and ice, as outlined in the instructions we provide.

If you are interested in finding out if distraction osteogenesis may be an option to correct your facial defect, please contact us. Our office staff is happy to set up an initial consultation with one of our skilled surgeons. At Utah Surgical Arts, we work hand in hand with our patients to ensure that they achieve the surgical results that they desire.

AAAHC Accreditation

Utah Surgical Arts is approved by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC). This accreditation is difficult to obtain and allows our office to function as a hospital and/or surgical center. Since extensive surgeries must be performed in a surgical center, there are many instances where the patient may be unable to undergo surgery due to the high cost of the hospital or surgical center. If your surgery can be performed at Utah Surgical Arts, the cost savings may be significant. Many patients who were unable to have the procedure due to the high cost involved were able to have the procedure performed at Utah Surgical Arts. Learn More.