Distraction Osteogenesis

Distraction osteogenesis is a surgical technique used to treat deformities or defects of the jaw and skull. This treatment works by slowly pulling bony segments apart, allowing new bone to grow in the open space. This safe and effective technique can treat oral and maxillofacial bone deformities with predictable results.

Our board-certified oral surgeon, Dr. Liberty offers distraction osteogenesis to children and adults in El Dorado Hills, Folsom, and Auburn, CA. Contact Golden Foothills Oral, Facial, & Dental Implant Surgery today to schedule your first visit. Our oral health experts will closely examine your or your child’s oral health and create a custom treatment plan.

How Does Distraction Osteogenesis Work?

Distraction osteogenesis works by slowly separating two bony segments so that new bone can grow in the open space. This technique was first used to treat oral and facial defects in the 1990s and has since evolved into a safe and predictable way for oral surgeons to treat certain skeletal deformities with predictable results. 

Your oral surgeon will insert a distraction device and over the next few months, the device will slowly pull two segments of bone apart. Many patients compare this feeling to the sensation of having braces tightened. After new bone has formed, your surgeon will remove the device, completing the distraction osteogenesis treatment.

Benefits of Distraction Osteogenesis

There are numerous benefits to distraction osteogenesis, such as:

• No visible scars after treatment 
• Eliminates the need for bone grafts
• Less pain and swelling compared to traditional surgeries for similar conditions
• Allows slow and controlled bone movement 
• We can perform this technique for patients of all ages

For younger patients with skeletal deformities, undergoing distraction osteogenesis treatment can reduce the amount of surgery a child may need throughout their life.

Distraction Osteogenesis Surgery and Treatment

When you visit us for your consultation, we will take detailed 3D scans of your mouth and face. These images allow our experts to detect any skeletal abnormalities and determine if distraction osteogenesis is right for your treatment. We often perform this procedure on an outpatient basis using general anesthesia. 

During the procedure, your surgeon will place a distraction appliance in the area where more bone is needed. This device will slowly separate the bony segments. We perform this procedure inside of the mouth to avoid any facial surgical incisions that would cause visible scarring. Because this surgery is less invasive, there is often less pain and swelling compared to traditional surgical procedures that treat bone deformities. 

After the surgery, we will provide you with instructions on how often to activate the distraction device so that it continuously but gently separates the bone. The length of time you wear the device will depend on your condition and how quickly the new bone heals. Once the desired result is achieved you will return for a short surgical visit, and we will remove the device. 

Distraction Osteogenesis in El Dorado Hills, Folsom, and Auburn, CA

Our board-certified oral surgeons are experts at managing simple and complex oral and maxillofacial conditions. If you or your child require treatment for jaw or skull defects or deformities, you can count on our team of experts to provide safe, predictable treatment and support throughout the oral surgery process. Contact Golden Foothills Oral, Facial, & Dental Implant Surgery today to schedule your first visit.