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 402 Distraction Osteogenesis reviews

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Great staff great dr , was very professional and very courteous.

- Tommy H

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Our Latest Patient Testimonial

This is the third time scheduled Dr. Boudreaux and staff..took great care of me and recommended him to others!

- Austin L

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Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Everything went on schedule. The staff was excellent and Dr. Boudreaux did a great job of explaining what was happening.

- Richard H

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Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Entire staff was courteous and professional. I have total confidence in Dr Boudreaux. This is my third implant and except for a small hiccup on the second implant I would recommend Dr Boudreaux to anyone.

- Chris F

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Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Was very quick and easy process to be seen and have my wisdom teeth removed. Good experience! Thank you

- Elijah K

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Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Dr Boudreaux, thank u for your service. You & staff are wonderful

- Lisa M

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Our Latest Patient Testimonial

I felt confident & comfortable that I was in good hands. Dr. Fisher & his staff do everything with excellence. They are a blessing to all who are their patients. Thank you for taking such good care of me!

- Pam F

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Our Latest Patient Testimonial

The staff was always knowledgeable and courteous when I called or was in office Very pleased with overall experience

- Cassandra L

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Our Latest Patient Testimonial

As always, very professional and courteous and right to the point.

- Nancy P

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Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Dr. Boudreaux was recommended to us by our general dentist and we couldn't be happier with Dr. Boudreaux and his staff!

- Hayden K. K

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Our Latest Patient Testimonial

The staff is friendly and informative. Dr Boudreaux and his assistants worked quickly and the procedure was done before I knew it.

- Patricia O

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Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Dr. Boudreaux and his staff has raised the bar so high for me it gonna be hard for another to even come close🥇🤩️️

- Sherry D

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Our Latest Patient Testimonial

I would 100% recommend Dr. Boudreaux’s office to anyone needing an oral surgeon. He and his staff were amazing. They made my daughter feel comfortable through the entire process…from the consult all the way thru the procedure. Even the answering service was very polite & helpful.

- Christina C

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Our Latest Patient Testimonial

I was so at ease with having Dr. Boudreaux and his staff take care of me. I will defiantly be back in the future if needed.

- Heather R

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Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Dr. Boudreaux and the staff was very kind and helpful. Surgery was great and recovery is going good so far.

- Caston P

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Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Everyone was very nice and eased my anxieties. Overall it was a great experience and the procedure went very smoothly from my perspective!

- Madisyn M

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Our Latest Patient Testimonial

I was nervous at first about getting this procedure, but they answered any questions or concerns that I had. It was a quick procedure and nothing to worry about. I appreciate everyone for being so kind and professional.

- Briana M

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Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Dr. Boudreaux and staff did a phenomenal job removing my wisdom teeth! This was my first time being put to sleep. They answered all of my questions and educated me on what to expect, which truly put me at ease! 10/10 would definitely recommend!

- Destinie C

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Our Latest Patient Testimonial

"Dr. Fisher and his staff were absolutely amazing. I have been to a lot of doctor's offices and have never been treated with such kindness and sufficient care. Would recommend them to everyone."

- Roy S

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Excellent

- Stephen L

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