Distraction Osteogenesis
The History of DO
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 Loudoun Center for Oral Surgery Phone Number 703-544-9740 and schedule an appointment with Dr. Bae.
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. Bae 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.
Loudoun Center for Oral Surgery
Patient Review By Sharon M
I would recommend Dr. Bae to anyone that has a fear of even complex dental procedures. His credentials are notable and he portrays confidence which confirmed in my mind that I was in good hands. His demeanor is friendly yet professional. The office was spic and span clean. Dr. Bae is more than competent at what he does. The timeliness and efficiency of which my dental procedure was handled curtailed my dentophobia which can be intense. I very much appreciate that Dr. Bae took the time to personally call me back when my scheduled oral surgeon fell ill and I needed an extraction for a tooth that cracked the whole way around. It is worthy of noting that he took care of me even though he had other procedures scheduled all during a time of a pandemic situation. These selfless people that open their offices to help others while possibly endangering themselves are worthy of much admiration and prayer. Many, many thanks and I hope to send you referrals in the future.
- Sharon M
Patient Review By Emmanuel O
The Dr was friendly and very knowledgeable. Great office and will definitely refer anyone.
- Emmanuel O
Patient Review By Nelson R
Loudoun Center for Oral Surgery/Dr. Jason Bae are outstanding! I came in on an emergency after being referred by another dental practice. I had severe tooth pain due to impacted wisdom teeth. Their customer service, from the first time I called to schedule a last-minute appointment to my final follow-up visit, were outstanding. They were able to fit me in and manage the pain so that I could get through the weekend until my surgery time. They were caring and made me feel comfortable about the whole process. The day of my surgery, everyone was great, surgery went smoothly. Dr. Bae even took the time in the evening to personally call and check-up on me. I thought that was incredible. It showed care and commitment to his patients. Throughout my entire experience, I felt that the staff was knowledgeable, professional and friendly. Dr. Bae explained the details of the surgery and what to expect and do afterwards, He also listened and addressed all my concerns. Although my reason for being there was not great at all (because of the pain), they made the whole experience in the practice a great as it could be. I would recommend Dr. Jason Bae and his team to anyone that needs an oral surgeon. Thank you Dr. Bae and staff! -Nelson
- Nelson R
Patient Review By Nadia T
I had amazing experience of painless extraction of my wisdom tooth.
- Nadia T
Patient Review By zaheera b
He is an excellent doctor. he is very knowledgeable. he done a best surgery for my wisdom teeth. it was a great experience as well as healing process is also very good. Mr. Jason and his staff is very professional and friendly.
- zaheera b
Patient Review By JIMMY A
Dr Jason Bae is the best Dental oral surgeon ever. I have had a few surgeries for my teeth but the experience I had with Dr. Bae was one that I will remember for a long time in a positive way. The tooth extractions was very complicated and difficulty, however Dr. Bae performed the surgery extremely careful and with care not to damage the nerves where the root had grown with a lot of depth. It took a long time and yet Dr. Bae was very patient and careful. I was very honored and surprised when Dr Bae called me at night to check on my status and advise me what I needed to do if I was experiencing pain. I have to admit that it was the first time in my life that a doctor has called me after treatment to inquire about my status. I highly recommend Dr Bae
- JIMMY A
Patient Review By Ashley S
I had 3 wisdom teeth removed 12 days ago. Dr. Bae made the procedure effortless. My initial consultation he made me feel informed and comfortable with what was expected. His staff was very friendly and accommodating. Post extraction, I did not have any issues with recovery. No swelling or dry sockets. Everything happened as expected. I had my follow up appointment today and I am pleased with all the effort Dr. Bae and his staff invested with me in making this procedure effortless.
- Ashley S
Patient Review By Rhiannon A
Dr. Bae and the rest of the staff were very kind and professional.
- Rhiannon A
Patient Review By Peter A
I rate Dr. Jason Bae very highly and would recommend him to others.
- Peter A
Patient Review By Lohania D
The pain that i was in when i came into his office felt like a near death experience..when i left his office, i felt like i was in heaven. I followed the docs instructions and there hasnt been any problem since then..Thank God for doctors and dentist..
- Lohania D
Patient Review By Michael P
Great service
- Michael P
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