How Does Distraction Osteogenesis Work?

If you need to have Distraction Osteogenesis performed in Melbourne, Florida you may wonder, “How exactly does this work?” Distraction osteogenesis is a procedure that moves two segments of a bone slowly apart in such a way that new bone fills in the gap. It is a relatively new method of treatment for selected deformities and defects of the oral and facial skeleton.

This procedure has been around since 1903 and gained recognition in the 1960s through the work of a Russian surgeon named, Dr. Gavril Ilizarov to treat bone problems in the leg. In 1992, distraction osteogenesis was performed successfully on a human mandible (lower jaw). 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.

Once Dr. Sedaros has the bone in the desired position, it is held in place and the regenerate tissue is allowed to heal and turn into new bone. The method forms a longer bone from a shorter one and once the new bone is strong enough, Dr. Sedaros removes the distraction device during a very short second operation.

This surgery does not leave scars on your face, which is a great benefit. The entire surgery is performed within the mouth and the distraction devices used by Dr. Sedaros remain inside the mouth. There are no facial surgical incisions are made so no facial scars result.

Dr. Sedaros uses distraction osteogenesis to treat selected deformities and defects of the oral and facial skeleton. If you have questions about distraction osteogenesis, please call Sedaros Oral Facial Surgery & Dental Implants to schedule an appointment!