IS DISTRACTION OSTEOGENESIS A NEW TREATMENT METHOD?
Since 1903, bone distraction has been used to successfully manipulate the long bones of the human skeleton. Then, in the 1950s, Dr. Gabriel Ilizarov worked to perfect the method to address deformities and correct defects of the extremities. Initially, for the most part, Dr. Ilizarov’s work went unnoticed until he presented his distraction osteogenesis method to the U.S.’s Western Medical Society in the 1960s.
WHEN DID BONE DISTRACTION BECOME A ROUTINE TREATMENT METHOD FOR ORAL AND FACIAL DEFECTS?
In 1990, distraction osteogenesis became a viable treatment method for defects of the facial and oral region. Since that time, continued advances in the surgical and technological fields of distraction osteogenesis have given oral and maxillofacial surgeons a safe, predictable method for treating a group of deformities and degenerative issues. Today, Dr. Stephan A. Sedaros uses bone distraction to address a variety of oral and facial skeleton issues.
WHAT ORAL AND FACIAL SKELETON ISSUES CAN BONE DISTRACTION ADDRESS?
For the most part, …show more content…
distraction osteogenesis is used to address the oral and facial defects most commonly associated with:
lack of bone due to a traumatic event; severe mandibular atrophy caused by the early loss of teeth; and defects due to cancer.
WHICH IS MORE INVASIVE, TRADITIONAL SURGERY OR DISTRACTION OSTEOGENESIS?
When comparing surgical procedures for the same issue, bone distraction surgery is much less invasive than its traditional surgery counterpart.
Moreover, distraction osteogenesis is typically an outpatient procedure: Therefore, the majority of patients return home on the same day of their surgery. Traditional surgery tends to produce more pain and inflammation than is experienced with distraction osteogenesis surgery for a similar (or identical) condition. Furthermore, unlike traditional surgical procedures, bone distraction surgery does not require any bone or soft tissue grafts; both of which require another surgical
site.
ARE THERE ANY DISADVANTAGES ASSOCIATED WITH DISTRACTION OSTEOGENESIS?
For the first two weeks after surgery, patients will need to return to Dr. Stephan A. Sedaros’ office frequently for evaluation. During this time, Dr. Sedaros will closely monitor the patient to ensure there is no infection. He will also teach the patient how to properly activate the distraction appliance. In some cases, another minor surgical procedure will need to be performed to remove the appliance. However, this procedure is performed in the office.
DOES DISTRACTION OSETOGENESIS HURT?
During the surgical procedure, patients receive general anesthesia. This ensures that they remain comfortably asleep throughout the procedure. Once the surgery is complete, patients receive pain medication and, possibly, antibiotics.
When the bone distraction device is activated, some patients do experience mild discomfort. This discomfort can be compared to the feeling an individual experiences when having his or her braced tightened.
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT AS I RECOVER FROM MY BONE DISTRACTION PROCEDURE?
Just as with any surgery, patients should expect some inflammation and pain as they recover. However, Dr. Sedaros provides his patients with medication to ensure they remain as comfortable as possible following their procedure.
WILL THERE BE SCARS ON MY FACE AFTER MY DISTRACTION OSTEOGENESIS PROCEDURE?
If Dr. Sedaros performs your entire surgery within your mouth and he places the distraction appliance within your mouth as well, facial incisions are not necessary: Therefore, you will not have any facial scars.
CAN DISTRACTION OSTEOGENISES BE USED TO ADD BONE TO MY JAWS?
Yes, thanks to recent advances in the field of oral and maxillofacial surgery, Dr. Sedaros can use bone distraction as opposed to bone grafts to add bone to the jaw. Once the new bone has formed, it can serve as a foundation for dental implants.
ARE THERE AGE LIMITATIONS ASSOCIATED WITH PATIENTS WHO CAN RECEIVE BONE DISTRACTION SURGERY?
No, bone distraction surgery is beneficial to individuals of all ages. However, due to increased bone regenerative abilities, a child or teen typically has a shorter distraction time and a faster consolidation phase than adults do.