Distraction Osteogenesis

Distraction osteogenesis (DO) is a relatively new method of treatment for selected deformities and defects of the jaw and skull. Although it was first used in 1903, in the 1950’s the Russian orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Gabriel Ilizarov, slowly perfected the surgical and postoperative management of distraction osteogenesis treatment to correct deformities and repair defects in the arms and legs. His work went mostly unnoticed until he presented to the Western Medical Society in the mid-1960s.

Distraction osteogenesis was first used to treat defects of the oral and facial region in 1990. Since then, the surgical and technological advances made in the field of distraction osteogenesis have provided oral and maxillofacial surgeons with a safe and predictable method to treat selected deformities.

If you have questions about distraction osteogenesis, please call our office at Bay State Oral Surgery Associates, Inc Phone Number 508-755-0008 and schedule an appointment with Dr. Shen.

Frequently Asked Questions About Distraction Osteogenesis

What does the term distraction osteogenesis mean? Simply stated, distraction osteogenesis means the slow movement apart (distraction) of two bony segments in a manner such that new bone is allowed to grow and fill in the gap created by the separating bony segments.

Is the surgery for distraction osteogenesis more involved than “traditional surgery” for a similar procedure? No. Distraction osteogenesis surgery is usually done on an outpatient basis with most of the patients going home the same day of surgery. The surgical procedure itself is less invasive so there is usually less pain and swelling.

Will my insurance company cover the cost of osteogenesis surgical procedure? Most insurance companies will cover the cost of the osteogenesis surgical procedure provided that there is adequate and accurate documentation of the patient’s condition. Of course, individual benefits within the insurance company policy vary. After you are seen for your consultation at our office, we will assist you in determining whether or not your insurance company will cover a particular surgical procedure.

Is distraction osteogenesis painful? Since all distraction osteogenesis surgical procedures are done while the patient is under general anesthesia, pain during the surgical procedure is not an issue. Postoperatively, you will be supplied with appropriate analgesics (pain killers) to keep you comfortable, and antibiotics to fight off infection. Activation of the distraction device to slowly separate the bones may cause mild discomfort. In general, the slow movement of bony segments produces discomfort roughly similar to having braces tightened.

What are the benefits of distraction osteogenesis vs. traditional surgery for a similar condition? Distraction osteogenesis surgical procedures typically produce less pain and swelling than the traditional surgical procedure for a similar condition. Distraction osteogenesis eliminates the need for a second surgical site to harvest bone graft material. Lastly, distraction osteogenesis is associated with greater stability when used in major cases where significant movement of bony segments are involved.

What are the disadvantages of distraction osteogenesis? Distraction osteogenesis requires the patient to return to the surgeon’s office frequently during the initial two weeks after surgery. This is necessary because in this time frame the surgeon will need to closely monitor the patient for any infection and teach the patient how to activate the appliance. In some cases, a second minor office surgical procedure is necessary to remove the distraction appliance.

Can distraction osteogenesis be used instead of bone grafts to add bone to my jaws? Yes. Recent advances in technology have provided the oral and maxillofacial surgeon with a distraction device that can be used to slowly grow bone in selected areas of bone loss that has occurred in the upper and lower jaws. The newly formed bone can then serve as an excellent foundation for dental implants.

Does distraction osteogenesis leave scars on the face? No. The entire surgery is performed within the mouth and the distraction devices used by Dr. Shen remain inside the mouth. There are no facial surgical incisions made, therefore, no facial scars result.

Are there any age limitations for patients who can receive osteogenesis? No. Distraction osteogenesis works well on patients of all ages. In general, the younger the patient the shorter the distraction time and the faster the consolidation phase. Adults require slightly longer period of distraction and consolidation because the bone regenerative capabilities are slightly slower than those of adolescence or infants.

Bay State Oral Surgery Associates, Inc

5 out of 5 stars based on 111 Distraction Osteogenesis reviews

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Very happy with everything here.

- Jamie M

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Our Latest Patient Testimonial

I had a great experience with multiple extractions in the office. Dr. Shen was very nice, competent, and I would go back to him again in a heartbeat if I needed any complicated oral surgery done or anything under anesthesia. The nursing staff and front desk staff were also phenomenal!

- Kristina H

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Very clean office, and very kind staff! I appreciated the quiet and calm atmosphere, especially because I was anxious. Dr. Shen is gentle, informative, and professional. The front desk staff are welcoming and have great communication. The assistants were very nice and reassuring, and I felt comfortable under their care while I was under IV sedation. I highly recommend coming here!

- Emma H

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I loved it easy recovery

- Tooba Q

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fav dentist everrrr

- Vickyana A

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Very professional and accommodating

- Chris C

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I was very nervous to have these wisdom teeth removed for a variety of reasons. Dr Shen and staff put me at ease, and the whole procedure and recovery were a breeze

- Pam C

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Everyone at this office was wonderful! My daughter had zero issues when getting her wisdom teeth out! The Dr was very thorough and made my daughter and I both feel at ease! Would highly recommend them!

- Kristin L

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Ladies in the front desk are nice and helpful! Doctor is very knowledgeable and experienced!

- Tao Q

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Dr. Shay Shen really is a great doctor! impressed beyond belief is all I can really say for our experience with him today. And I was totally expecting a different result from reading the previous reviews on Google. I have a 7 year old with autism who is very strong, very anxious and hates brushing her teeth, let alone going to a dentist. Dr. Shen and his dental assistant (shorter, fair skinned girl in her mid 20’s, blue eyes, medium brown hair, cool pink sneakers) were just so patient, kind and understanding. I really can’t even explain the level of gratitude I have for them. My daughter was barely affected by the pre-med and Dr. Shen and his assistants were just so patient in waiting for her tantrum to die down some. Dr. Shen asks questions, gets all the facts, doesn’t try to talk over you, helps you understand what is happening and what to expect. And most importantly, he is a very, very intelligent man. I think what impressed me the most about him was that not only was he fast and efficient, but he actually has compassion. He came over several times to check on my daughter when she was in the recovery area(as did his dental assistant.) Not only did I appreciate that, but after a long day of procedures, he called me to check in on my daughter because I was worried about her having a reaction to the anesthesia. He sat once again and assessed step by step the situation, and came to an educated conclusion that made so much sense. Thank you Dr. Shen, your great. And Dr. Shens dental assistant was so kind, patient and helpful. She really helped my daughter with a lot of her anxiety(maybe my anxiety more than my daughters haha.) She makes it fun being at the dentist, she finds something your child is interested in and starts talking about it and getting them to open up. A skill I wish I had. She explains every part of the process in such a fun and relatable way. She really was such a joy. Her and Dr. Shen make such an amazing team together. Thank you both.

- Amanda B

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Service was excellent both staff and Doctor.

- Donna R

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Wonderful!

- Kerri W

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The staff put this nervous patient at ease.

- David A

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The whole experience was one of a kind. I heard how bad it is to get your wisdom tooth pulled and the staff and the DR made it a walk in park. I was talking to them through the who procedure.

- Angel A

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I am pleased with the service and care that I received at Bay State. I was apprehensive at first, but the doctor and his staff put me at ease.

- Mary R

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Great experience. I appreciate the staff and the Doctor.

- Dimitri M

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The staff was very sweet and efficient, they scheduled my appointment as soon as possible and they were able to make my visit very comfortable. I'm very anxious when it comes to dental appointments but they were very nice and I don't even remember a thing after surgery. I felt no pain at all after surgery, the doctor did an amazing job.

- Catherine A

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Service was great. Doctor's skill was excellent.

- Yiyun W

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The best Dr. I ever had!

- Sheila J

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Great team, friendly, very informative.

- Cynthia R

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