Distraction Osteogenesis
Mount Kisco, NY
Distraction Osteogenesis provided by Dr. Gary Orentlicher and Dr. Andrew Horowitz in Mt. Kisco, NY at New York Oral, Maxillofacial, and Implant Surgery
 Most oral procedures and restorations, such as wisdom tooth extraction and placement of dental implants, dentures, and bridges, require healthy jawlines with adequate bone density. Patients with deteriorated jawbones must undergo bone grafting or augmentation to strengthen their jawlines before dental restoration surgery. Previously, traditional dental surgery was the recommended option for treating jawbone deficiencies. Thanks to new developments in dentistry, patients can now rely on distraction osteogenesis to restore bone loss naturally.
Our maxillofacial surgeons at New York Oral, Maxillofacial, and Implant Surgery can improve your bone density through distraction osteogenesis before dental restoration.
What Is Distraction Osteogenesis?
Distraction osteogenesis is a life-changing procedure for facial and dental defects. It restores oral deformities by lengthening an inadequate jawbone. The technique entails cutting the affected jawbone and placing a distractor between the bone fragments. New bone will start growing naturally to fill the gap between the bone segments, leading to a longer, healthier, and denser jawline. The regenerated bone provides a sturdy foundation for placing dental implants and other dental restorations.
How Does Distraction Osteogenesis Work?
Distraction osteogenesis involves separating a shortened jawbone into two bone segments. Our maxillofacial surgeon will incise the target jawbone via a process called osteotomy. We will then place devices called distractors between the bone fragments under the gum to separate the segments and create a gap. Sometimes, we attach them to the jawline outside the skin and fasten them to keep them in place.
Once placed, your body will regenerate new bone to fill the gap. We may have to turn and tighten the distractors several times during healing to stimulate bone growth. Our oral surgeon will place the necessary dental restorations after you grow an adequate jawbone.
Benefits of Distraction Osteogenesis
The benefits of distraction osteogenesis are many. First, distraction osteogenesis is suitable for patients of all ages. It is a painless procedure requiring fewer surgical visits, making it an appropriate option for treating dental deformities. Moreover, it extends your jawbone without needing bone grafts or augmentations.
We can place distractors on different sites, including the jawline or skin. An experienced caregiver can adjust the distractors without compelling you to visit our clinic.
The best part is that bone regeneration via distraction osteogenesis is a natural process. It triggers your body to form the new jawline slowly and in a controlled manner. It also leaves no scars.
Candidates for Distraction Osteogenesis
Distraction osteogenesis is ideal for all patients with facial and dental deformities. We often use this procedure on infants and children with hemifacial macrosomia, craniofacial anomalies, cleft lips, and deficient alveolar ridges. Our surgeon can recommend distraction osteogenesis to adult patients who need dental restorations but have deteriorated jawlines.
The Distraction Osteogenesis Procedure
Distraction osteogenesis has several phases and requires multiple visits to our clinic. After a comprehensive dental examination, our surgeon will administer general anesthesia. We will then incise the target jawbone and insert distractors to create two bone segments. We call this stage the osteotomy phase. We will then pre-schedule your next visit as you go through a seven day healing period.
The next phase is the activation stage. During this procedure, we will turn the distractors to ensure they deliver the projected results. We may adjust the distractors by 0.5 millimeters if we want your jawbone to grow at the same rate daily. The last step is the consolidation phase, which entails stabilizing the distractors and using them as fixation devices. The entire distraction process might take one to three months.
Recovery and Aftercare
Depending on age and other underlying factors, recovery might take one to three months. Younger patients have excellent bone regenerative capabilities, making their recovery faster, while adult patients might take longer. You can aid healing by avoiding hot drinks and hard foods. Avoid probing the area during recovery and quit lifestyle habits like smoking and drinking.
Potential Risks and Complications
While distraction osteogenesis is a safe procedure, it has its fair share of risks and complications. Without proper care, patients might develop bacterial infections. You may also experience premature ossification, self-extubation, or nerve injury. Fortunately, our experienced surgeon has what it takes to ensure a successful procedure. We will also provide analgesics to alleviate pain and antibiotics to prevent infection.
Frequently Asked Questions About Distraction Osteogenesis
We often get questions about distraction osteogenesis. Our experienced team is always at hand to answer your questions. Here are some of the most asked questions:
How long does the distraction process take?
The distraction osteogenesis process takes two to three months, depending on patient age and the required bone volume and density. The first phase takes one day, with our surgeon conducting a dental examination before separating your jawlines and inserting the distractors. A hematoma will start forming within seven days, after which you will come to our clinic for activation (turning the distractor). The last phase is the consolidation period, which takes up to three months.
Is distraction osteogenesis painful?
Distraction osteogenesis is a painless procedure. We will administer general anesthesia to make comfortable through the process. You will not feel any pain during surgery. We will then give you analgesics to alleviate discomfort.
Are there any age limitations for this procedure?
Distraction osteogenesis has no age limit. It is suitable for patients of all ages. We recommend this procedure to younger patients since they have faster regenerative capabilities. However, adult patients can still benefit from distraction osteogenesis to resolve various dental issues.
How long is the recovery period?
Distraction osteogenesis recovery takes one to three months. Younger patients take a shorter time to heal because of their efficient bone regenerative capabilities. In contrast, adults and older patients might require longer to regenerate new bone because their regenerative abilities are slower. To expedite healing, you may have to avoid hard foods and hot drinks during recovery.
About New York Oral Maxillofacial and Implant Surgery (NYOMIS)
Distraction osteogenesis is a safe option for treating facial and dental deformities. However, a successful procedure relies on the expertise of a maxillofacial surgeon. New York Oral Maxillofacial and Implant Surgery has vast experience conducting distraction osteogenesis. We have a high success rate in dental restoration through distraction osteogenesis. Visit New York Oral, Maxillofacial, and Implant Surgery or call us at (914) 689-7550 to book an appointment for a thorough checkup. |
