Menu
Distraction osteogenesis is an advanced surgical technique used at the Dentofacial & Cosmetic Surgery Institute to reconstruct bony deformities. Distraction osteogenesis is described as a biological process of new bone formation between the surfaces of bone segments that are gradually separated by incremental traction.
Our board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon, Dr. Michael Hashemian, performs distraction osteogenesis procedures in Spring Hill, Lecanto, Land O’ Lakes, and Clearwater, FL, on an outpatient basis or in a hospital setting, if warranted. While orthognathic surgery is generally recommended only after skeletal growth completion occurs, distraction osteogenesis is versatile. It can be performed at any age if the patient is physiologically capable of undergoing surgery.
Over the past decades, advancements in surgical and technological techniques have provided oral and maxillofacial surgeons with safe, predictable methods to address specific deformities of the oral and facial skeleton. Distraction osteogenesis is now used to treat a range of conditions, including cranial abnormalities, facial clefts, severe sleep apnea, hemifacial microsomia (asymmetry or underdevelopment), deficient alveolar ridge, maxillary hypoplasia (deficiency of the upper jaw), issues resulting from facial tumor resection, radiotherapy, or complex traumatic midface fractures.
Craniofacial anomalies represent the most common applications of maxillary distraction, with conditions like Crouzon syndrome and Pfeiffer syndrome accounting for many cases. This procedure can improve facial aesthetics, restore normal jaw alignment and bite, and boost self-esteem. When bone loss affects the upper or lower jaw, newly formed bone from distraction, osteogenesis can provide an excellent foundation for dental implants. This technique can resolve challenging cases of sleep apnea in adults with an upper airway deficiency.
While traditional midface techniques provide immediate bony correction, they don’t allow for compensatory growth of soft tissues. As a result of scarring and memory, the soft tissue often contracts to its preoperative state.
In contrast, distraction techniques gradually increase the amount of soft tissue by preventing its contraction. Since all distraction osteogenesis surgical procedures in Spring Hill, Lecanto, Land O’ Lakes, and Clearwater, FL, are performed under general anesthesia, pain during the surgical procedure isn’t an issue.
If you’re undergoing distraction, Dr. Hashemian will assess you initially and periodically throughout the process with radiographic imaging. Internal devices are applied under soft tissue, with a small rod for distraction protruding through the skin. These devices are used for larger bones and require a second stage for removal. The distractors are placed with anchoring plates on each side of the osteotomy (surgical cut through the bone). External devices are used for smaller bones and removed without a second stage. A skull-anchored distractor that attaches to a tooth-borne appliance (rigid external distraction system) can advance the midface in many directions.
Postoperatively, we provide appropriate analgesics (pain medication) to keep you comfortable and antibiotics to prevent infection. In most cases, the slow movement of bony segments produces discomfort, like having metal braces tightened. You’ll visit our office frequently during the first two weeks after surgery. It’s essential during this period to closely monitor you for infection or complications and teach you or a parent how to activate the appliance. Sometimes, a second minor surgical procedure is performed in the office to remove the distraction appliance.
New Patient - (352) 675-7110
Current Patient - (352) 688-4556
New Patient - (352) 458-6048
Current Patient - (352) 527-8000
New Patient - (813) 536-4860
Current Patient - (813) 922-1818
New Patient - (727) 732-6370
Current Patient - (727) 796-1716