Distraction Osteogenesis
What is Distraction Osteogenesis?
Distraction osteogenesis was originally used to treat defects in the arms and legs and was later expanded to repair cranial defects after 1990. The procedure itself is a safe and predictable method for correcting facial and oral defects. During the procedure, two segments of bone are slowly spread apart until they reach the correct positions. While the bone is spreading, it allows bone segments to regenerate soft tissue, which eventually turns into new, longer bone.
The doctors at 7x7 Dental Implant & Oral Surgery Specialists use distraction osteogenesis to treat deformities and defects of the oral and facial skeleton.
The Distraction Osteogenesis Procedure
Patients undergoing distraction osteogenesis will be scheduled for two separate surgeries. During the first surgery, your oral surgeon will cut the bone and place a distraction device across the area that was cut. By turning a pin in the distraction device, you will slowly stretch the bone segments apart over the next 2 weeks.
After the initial 2 weeks of separating the bone segments, you must allow time for the new, regenerated tissue to heal and turn into bone. This usually takes 6 to 8 weeks. Once the new bone has healed, you will come in for your second procedure, and your oral surgeon will remove the distraction device in a short surgical procedure.
Many patients claim this process is less painful than braces. During the surgical procedures, you are placed under general anesthesia and do not experience pain or discomfort. Oral surgeons undergo extensive training in the safe administration of IV sedation and anesthesia, so you are in excellent hands with the team at 7x7 Dental Implant & Oral Surgery Specialists.
Am I a Candidate for Distraction Osteogenesis?
If you have a congenital craniofacial defect, such as cleft palate, Crouzon, Apert, or other craniosynostosis syndromes, or have an improperly formed lower jaw, you may be a candidate for distraction osteogenesis. This procedure can also treat facial injuries or aid in placing a bone graft.
Distraction osteogenesis can be performed on patients of any age. It is often recommended for young patients because the period of distraction and recovery is much shorter than it is for adults. This is because children and younger patients have faster bone regenerative capabilities than adults.
Comfortable Care With Anesthesia Options
We understand that many patients feel nervous about oral surgery. That is why we offer multiple anesthesia options to help you feel comfortable and confident throughout your procedure. Your oral surgeon will review the best option for your needs during your consultation.
Real Patient Experiences
Patients across San Francisco trust 7x7 Dental Implant & Oral Surgery Specialists for expert care and life-changing results. Our commitment to comfort, communication, and precision ensures a positive experience from consultation through recovery.
"Hi, my name is Alex, I’m from San Francisco, and I came to see the doctors at 7x7 for dental implants. Immediately upon walking in the door, I knew that I was in the right place. I found the doctors at 7x7 to be very warm and [they] did everything they could to make me comfortable, and I really appreciated that. The staff gave me sort of a play-by-play as to what was going to happen and a treatment path to get my mouth corrected. I’m immensely happy that I had the dental implants done at 7x7. They’ve taken care of me through the whole process and I’ve gotten my teeth back in order. I had a fantastic experience at 7x7, and I would absolutely recommend that anyone go there for any oral surgery needs."
"I was referred here by my dentist, and when I came in, the staff was really good with greeting me. They were very timely about my appointment and kind of helped me navigate through my first time at the office, so I was pretty comfortable with the staff. My doctor was really great. He's very personable, very laid back. He made me extremely comfortable. It was a really good procedure. My recovery was really well. They later let me see the X-ray of the implant that he had put in, and it was perfect. It was just straight up. I would absolutely recommend 7x7 Dental Implant & Oral Surgery. Everything went really smooth, and it was a great experience."
"When I walked in, into the practice, it was such a good feeling. The staff was really welcoming. They treat me really warmly. My doctor was an excellent doctor, really friendly, really nice. I felt so comfortable with her throughout all the procedure. My procedure actually went really easy. Recovery went so fast, and everything went beyond my expectations. I will highly recommend 7x7 Dental Implant & Oral Surgery to all my friends in Millbrae."
"Hi, my name is Daryl. I am from South San Francisco, and I had a dental implant. The staff was great. They were very professional as well as precise. I was very, very impressed with Dr. Morrow's bedside manner. The procedure went very well, and my quality of life has improved. By all means, I would definitely recommend 7x7 Dental Implant & Oral Surgery Specialists."
"People seem really friendly and nice. That was my first interaction with the person at the front desk. The level of customer service seemed really great. My doctor was Dr. Scharf. He's like really a friendly person. I felt like he really met me where I was, and I felt like he spoke to me in a way that I could understand what was going on. And I really appreciated being under his care. Implant was a success. Very clean, professional work. So far, it's been really easy. I'm happy, I'm satisfied, and I would feel very comfortable recommending other people here for dental work or implants or surgery."
"Hi, my name is Jim from San Francisco, and I came to 7x7 to get dental implants. When I first came here, I noticed that the facilities were very clean, very organized. I can’t say enough about Dr. Duncan in terms of his professionalism. He’s very efficient, he’s very fast and organized, he’s very friendly, and I always felt at ease with him. I find the staff to be very helpful and friendly. Procedures went very well. After I got my implants, I don’t notice any difference between my normal teeth and the implants. Overall, I would highly recommend 7x7."
"Hi, my name is Jodi from San Bruno, and I had dental implants done by the doctors here at 7x7. When I first walked in, I was treated with such care that I felt much more at peace. The doctors at 7x7 are so good and they made me feel confident that we would get the job done. The staff here was soothing and clear and helped me understand what to expect. I feel confident with my smile and happy with what the results are. For my friends and family in and around San Francisco, I highly recommend the doctors at 7x7."
"I came here for the first time. I'm very comfortable. It's very warm and very welcoming. All the staff is very friendly with me. My doctor is very caring and very professional. My procedure and my recovery is great. Last night I recommended this place to my best friend. My teeth is beautiful."
"I’m Nik from San Francisco and I came to 7x7 for dental implants. When I walked into this place, my first impression was very positive and reassuring. Dr. Scharf at 7x7 thoroughly explained the options and the process and the results. The staff are a group of professionals that are caring. The procedures were done very professionally with absolute comfort. I would certainly, with total comfort and confidence, would recommend services at 7x7. I’m very happy with the outcome."
Where the Bay Area Finds Better Smiles
For over 40 years, 7x7 Dental Implant & Oral Surgery Specialists has helped San Francisco find healthier and more beautiful smiles. We are proud to serve Bay Area patients with exceptional oral surgery services delivered with compassionate care. With four practice locations, we are able to bring our expertise to the entire city. To learn more about how we can help you achieve your oral health goals, contact our office to schedule a consultation. We look forward to welcoming you soon!