Distraction osteogenesis (also known as callus distraction) is a procedure aiming at extending or establishing jaw bone and entails reverting to the human organism’s biological healing process. For instance, following an accidental fracture, the new production of bone substance is stimulated in order to fill minor fracture gaps. This so-called secondary bone formation is turned into account as part of the procedure of distraction osteogenesis, which initially originated in the discipline of orthopedics.
To start with, the jaw bone is surgically severed in a suitable location, followed by the affixing of a special apparatus. This distractor can be extended little by little, like a revolving screw, in order to stimulate the continuous formation of new bone tissue. This way, the emerging gaps can be filled repeatedly.
Generally, by means of this procedure, the jaw bone grows approximately one millimeter per day over a period of 12 weeks. The implant can be inserted about two weeks after the distraction osteogenesis has come to an end.