Distraction Osteogenesis
Who Is A Candidate For Distraction Osteogenesis?
Distraction osteogenesis is the method of gradually growing existing bone to lengthen or alter its shape. In oral and maxillofacial surgery, distraction osteogenesis is a common treatment for patients who have a narrow palate or jaw bone. However, other areas of the oral and maxillofacial region are treated with distraction osteogenesis, such as a congenital defect or facial trauma injury. It can also be used on the windpipe to improve breathing. The process is a minimally invasive and can provide an alternative to a bone graft.
Because the recovery period is typically shorter in children and teens, they are often the best candidates for distraction osteogenesis, although the procedure can be performed on patients of all ages. If the facial structure requires additional width, height, or reshaping, distraction osteogenesis offers a minimally invasive solution.
Benefits of the procedure include the following:
- Bone grafts are not needed.
- There are fewer surgical sites.
- Your own bone is used instead of using a tissue bank.
- The precise process can control the degree of separation and the amount and location of growth.
- Most patients experience less pain and swelling, resulting in an easier recovery.
The Procedure
The primary goal of distraction osteogenesis is to be able to create more bone by separating existing bone. The separation process is gradual to allow the soft tissue healing process to turn into new bone.
Your oral surgeon will surgically place a small device at the site where new bone growth is desired. The small device is intended to be adjusted at specific intervals, usually over a period of one to two weeks. The device will also stay in place during the healing period, which takes six to eight weeks after the procedure. During the healing period, the soft tissue becomes new bone. The device will be surgically removed once the new bone is of desired height and width.
Many patients experience distraction osteogenesis as less painful than braces or other orthodontic treatments because it is a small adjustment over a length of time. However, some discomfort is to be expected. Your oral surgeon may prescribe painkillers or recommended medications you can take over the counter.
If you or your child has been recommended for distraction osteogenesis, we encourage you to call our office. We will come up with a treatment plan designed to provide the best possible result. We look forward to caring for you and your loved ones at Oral Surgery Services.
Types of Anesthesia
As oral surgeons, Dr. Smith and Dr. Ferguson have undergone years of training to become experts at performing all types of oral and maxillofacial procedures, including the safe administration of anesthesia. Your treatment plan, including your options for anesthesia, will be discussed in detail before your procedure.
Patient Testimonials
Hear from our patients about their experiences with Distraction Osteogenesis and other procedures.
"Hi, I'm Al from Chalmette. I came to see Dr. Ferguson for a dental implant. When I first walked in, it was amazing. I found the staff here to be very helpful and friendly. Dr. Ferguson, he was like an old friend to me and he explained everything, all the procedures to me about the implants. The procedure went very good, better than I thought, and the outcome is fantastic. My quality of life is fantastic, and now I just feel more confident in myself. To all my family and friends in Laplace, I would highly recommend Dr. Ferguson."
"Hi, I'm Alex from Kenner, and I went to Oral Surgery Services to get my wisdom teeth removed. When I first walked into this practice, I was greeted with nice smiles and good scenery. Everybody made me feel comfortable. I knew I was in good hands. Dr. Ferguson was a very nice man who made sure I felt safe. My procedure went so well. My recovery went very smoothly and within due time I was fine. It feels great to have a beautiful, healthy smile, all because of Dr. Ferguson. My overall experience at Oral Surgery Services was very nice. Everybody was super kind and friendly and the surgery was perfect. All my friends and family and Estelle, I highly recommend Oral Surgery Services."
"My name’s Alicia, I live in New Orleans, and I came to OSS for extractions and bone grafting. The overall experience was just very pleasant. The environment is very calm and warm and welcoming. Everybody was really helpful. I felt safe, which is really important to me. Dr. Smith was very transparent. He made me feel very comfortable. My recovery was just as I expected, just as the doctor told me it was going to be. It was very quick. It was so smooth, I didn’t even know it happened. I would one hundred percent recommend OSS to anyone in New Orleans or Jefferson Parish."
"My name is Amy, and I am from Metairie, Louisiana. My son was here for services with Dr. Ferguson. Our orthodontist found that his wisdom teeth were coming in at a severe angle — all four — and she referred us to Dr. Ferguson for that extraction. Dr. Ferguson is an ultimate professional. He made us extremely comfortable from the first meeting. The staff here is professional and very efficient. My son’s surgery went extremely well, and recovery went very well, actually a little better than I was expecting. Overall, my family had an exceptional experience here. For my family and friends in Metairie, I would highly recommend OSS."
"Hi, I'm Anne from New Orleans. I am a parent of a wisdom tooth patient, and we came to Oral Surgery Services. The staff was wonderful from the word go from the beginning. We saw Dr. Ferguson, and he was absolutely fantastic. Dr. Ferguson is incredibly personable he is on top of his game. The procedure for our son went incredibly well and it's been perfect ever since. It was a very great experience. I highly recommend oral surgery services."
"My name is Ashley. I live in Kenner, Louisiana, and I had a tooth extraction. I had two surgeries on my jaw to remove abscesses, and I had an implant placed so that I could ultimately get a permanent tooth. Everything went great, I’ve now got the permanent tooth, and I have had zero problems with it — it’s been great, and I absolutely have no worries about it for the future ever having any problems with it again. Oh, when I first came in to meet everyone, it was amazing. I walked in the door, I was greeted immediately, I was comfortable. Dr. Ferguson is an excellent, excellent surgeon and a wonderful human being — the way he treated me, and he just genuinely cares about his patients. Dr. Ferguson and his team made me feel like family here. I had a great experience here, and I would highly recommend Oral Surgery Services."
"My name is Cecelia. I’m from Metairie, Louisiana, and I had a dental extraction, bone graft, and a dental implant. I was very apprehensive before coming in. First of all, I’d never had anything like this — you hear about it — but they’re very nice. It’s a busy office, but you never feel rushed, and it’s personable service. Staff is very kind. They are very warm and cordial. Dr. Smith is very professional and very knowledgeable. Everything went well, and I had a very good experience. For my friends and family in Metairie and the New Orleans area, I highly recommend Dr. Smith."
"Hi, I'm Cindy from Metairie. I came to Oral Surgery Services for a dental implant. The staff were amazing. They were very gentle, friendly, and warm and welcoming. Just made me feel right at home. Dr. Ferguson, he's an excellent surgeon. He is also an MD. His qualifications are impeccable and I really, really felt comfortable in his care. My procedure was very smooth. Everything was just perfect. My quality of life has improved immensely. It feels wonderful to have a beautiful, healthy smile again. I would definitely recommend oral surgery services to everyone."
"My name is David and I am from, born and raised, in New Orleans, and my dentist recommended me to Dr. Ferguson for the possibility of getting implants. My overall experience here has been exceptional. When I first walked in, the team made me feel comfortable and at home. Dr. Ferguson has a great bedside manner. I think that put me at quite a bit of ease when I first met him. He’s guided me through this procedure and he’s going to see me through the procedure. I would strongly recommend Oral Surgery Services to anyone—New Orleans, Metairie, Kenner—but I think it’s well worth a visit from anywhere."
Learn More About Us
We invite you to learn more about our practice and get to know our team and our doctors! At Oral Surgery Services, we are committed to providing quality care. Together with our friendly and highly trained staff, we are determined to exceed your oral health goals by providing personalized care and comprehensive solutions.