Distraction Osteogenesis Lake Charles LA

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 Lake Charles Office Phone Number 337-478-0468 and schedule an appointment with Dr. Boudreaux or Dr. Fisher.

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 Drs. Boudreaux or Fisher 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.

Your Mouth Deserves Comprehensive Care

Drs. Boudreaux and Fisher are experienced oral surgeons who can perform several procedures, including dental implant placement, wisdom teeth removal, and jaw surgery. Contact us to learn more!

Call us: 337-478-0468

Lake Charles Oral Surgery Specialists

5 out of 5 stars based on 440 Distraction Osteogenesis reviews

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

You all done great. Could not ask for any better. Thank you. Dr Boudreaux was great. I am very satisfied the way he treated me.

- Betty B

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Excellent doctor (Boudreaux) and staff!

- David R

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Staff concern for patients outcome of service. Patience that shines through in their care️

- Alvin J

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All the staff and Dr. Boudreaux are very kind with a level of patient care that is rarely seen in today’s society. I highly recommend them!!!!!

- Jay S

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Incredible staff! Dr Boudreaux has been great, and I will continue to see him when his expertise is needed. Every operation has been a quick recovery and have all gone perfectly with Dr Boudreaux expert advice and skilled hands!

- Daniel M

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I would not go anywhere else. I am taking prolia for osteoporosis and extraction of teeth is not routine. He has special problems to deal with. I didn't have any problems last time and do not foresee any this time.

- Jacqueline N

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Pleasant experience

- Elizabeth S

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Boudreaux and his team were incredibly attentive to our needs, providing reassurance to my anxious patient. From the initial visit to the post-surgery follow-up call, their support was invaluable. Thank you for ensuring that a challenging procedure went so smoothly.

- Cohen C

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Our Latest Patient Testimonial

The staff was extremely professional, kind, and assuring. They were helpful and informative. Dr. Boudreaux was patient, welcoming, and explained everything very well. I had a 10/10 experience and would recommend LCOS to anyone.

- Staci J

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I love the office staff and Dr. Boudreaux has been amazing through a very difficult journey. I have had to have multiple surgeries. He and his staff are professional and so friendly. They put you at ease take very good care of you before, during and after your surgery.

- Paulette T

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Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Most polite and caring people anyone could work with.

- Timothy A

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Our Latest Patient Testimonial

He was amazing. So kind, he even called to check on me hours after surgery

- Jessica W

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Great job they did I loved it

- Bryan ramos H

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Awesome place...great staff...first class treatment!!

- Amber R

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Preop--very informative and all questions answered. Procedure—punctual in starting Post op—explained care and what to observe

- Jeremiah B

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Dr. Boudreaux and staff were great!! He literally came in, asked how I was doing, administered the anesthesia and the next thing I remember was waking up with three wisdom teeth removed! Professional. Fast. Easy post-op instructions. I give him a 10 out of 10!

- Roderick L

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Dr. Boudreaux did an amazing job, thank you so much !

- Pen M

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I was so nervous! Every single staff member that I came in contact with was super friendly and comforting. I highly recommend for anyone.

- Alisha H

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Great office staff and visit.

- Robert C

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Not a single negative thing to say! From beginning to end the service was stellar!

- Dana P

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