Course of the operation: distraction osteogenesis

State of the art bone augmentation

As a first step, the delicate apparatus for the bone distraction is inserted into the jaw. Simultaneously, the affected bone is surgically separated from its basis and fastened to the distractor. 

After a healing period of approximately five days, the bone is stretched 1 mm per day. As soon as the necessary amount of bone tissue has formed, it is left alone for about 8-12 weeks to stabilize. Then the distractor is removed and the implants can be placed immediately. The whole procedure is mainly painless and can be carried out on an outpatient basis.

Major advantages of the procedure as compared to traditional methods:

• There is usually (almost) no necessity to transplant bone tissue from other areas.
• The success rate for this operation has been extremely high, while the risks are comparatively low.
• The soft tissue (gums) is augmented simultaneously, which reduces or eliminates the necessity of additional corrections.   

The whole procedure is usually carried out under local anaesthesia. If requested, we can offer general anaesthesia as well.