Greater Atlanta Oral Facial Surgery

Distraction Osteogenesis

Greater Atlanta Distraction Osteogenesis

Distraction osteogenesis is a way to make a longer bone out of a shorter one. It’s a relatively new technique used for the treatment of selected deformities and defects of the oral and facial skeleton. The technique comes to us as a result of the work of a Russian orthopedic surgeon named Dr. Gabriel Ilizarov. It was first used in 1903, but Dr. Ilizarov perfected it in the fifties.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT DISTRACTION OSTEOGENESIS

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 bony 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 less invasive so there is usually less pain and swelling.

Will my insurance company cover the cost of osteogenesis surgical procedure?

Most insurance companies will cover the cost of the osteogenesis surgical procedure provided that there is adequate and accurate documentation of the patient’s condition. Of course, individual benefits within the 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 general anesthesia, pain during the surgical procedure is not an issue. Postoperatively, you will be supplied with appropriate analgesics (painkillers) to keep you comfortable, and antibiotics to fight off infection. 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, another surgical site. Lastly, distraction osteogenesis is associated with greater stability when used in major cases where significant movement of bony segments is 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. In some cases, a second minor office surgical procedure is necessary to remove the distraction appliance.

Can distraction osteogenesis be used instead of bone grafts to add bone to my jaws?

Yes. Recent advances in technology have provided the oral and maxillofacial surgeon with an easy to place and use a distraction device that can be used to slowly grow bone in selected areas of bone loss that has occurred in the upper and lower jaws. 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. Shahriari remain inside the mouth. There are no facial surgical incisions are made so no facial scars result.

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.

Two Convenient Locations

New Patients: (404) 410-1070
Existing Patients: (404) 937-3880

Monday - Saturday: 7am - 5pm

3833 Roswell Rd. NE, Tuxedo Atrium, Suite 110 Atlanta GA 30342

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New Patients: (404) 476-3667
Existing Patients: (404) 433-8433

Monday - Saturday: 7am - 5pm

425 Peachtree Parkway, Suite 340 Cumming GA 30041

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