Distraction Osteogenesis

Repair Jaw Bone Defects

Distraction osteogenesis is an effective method of gradually altering the shape and size of bones. While this treatment was originally used in other areas of the body, like the legs, our oral and maxillofacial surgeons can perform distraction osteogenesis to help repair jaw bone defects or areas of insufficient facial bone.

We perform this bone restoration treatment at our offices in New Brunswick, NJ, East Brunswick, NJ, and Middlesex, NJ. Contact Oral Surgery Group today if you are in need of bone repair for a visit with our board-certified experts, Dr. Philip Engel, Dr. Richard Stern, Dr. Constantine Simos, Dr. Michael Stern, Dr. Amy Tanchyk, and Dr. Rohan Prabhu.

Benefits of Distraction Osteogenesis

Distraction osteogenesis offers many benefits over more traditional surgeries for similar conditions. Patients of all ages can usually undergo this treatment. Some of the benefits include:

• Less swelling and pain than more traditional procedures
• A more controlled method of altering the shape of the bones in the face and jaw
• No need for bone grafts, which means fewer surgical sites
• No visible scars from surgery (the device is placed inside the mouth)
• Uses your own bone—no need for tissue bank
• Less pain and swelling compared to traditional bone repair surgeries

How Distraction Osteogenesis Works

During the consultation, your oral surgeon will examine your oral health and design a custom treatment plan. We will take 3D scans of your mouth and head and discuss your anesthesia options for treatment. Distraction osteogenesis is typically performed as an outpatient procedure using general anesthesia.

Distraction osteogenesis involves the slow, gradual separation of tiny portions of bone to allow new bone to grow. Oral surgeons often use this method to alter jaw bones as an alternative to surgery. The process works by surgically placing a small device into the area of bone that requires alteration. Part of the tiny device will rest on top of the gums, allowing periodic adjustments to be made to the bone beneath. Some patients worry that these adjustments will be painful, but most find that the level of discomfort is similar to that of having braces tightened—a little soreness immediately after an adjustment that fades in a day or so.

The newly formed bone will be sturdy and healthy enough to support dental implants or other forms of tooth restoration. Depending on your condition, this treatment can serve as an alternative to bone grafting. Both of these bone regeneration methods are effective for producing stable bone, but distraction osteogenesis does not require synthetic or tissue material.

If you are interested in distraction osteogenesis, contact one of our offices in New Brunswick, East Brunswick, and Middlesex, to learn more about the procedure or schedule an appointment. One of our staff members will be happy to help you.