Distraction Osteogenesis San Diego & Coronado CA
Oral Surgeon Kurt Hummeldorf, DMD-PC
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 and schedule an appointment with Dr. Hummeldorf.
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 Dr. Hummeldorf remains 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.
Kurt Hummeldorf, DMD-PC
Patient Review By Patricia B
This office is outstanding. I was referred to Dr Hummeldorf for an extraction. I never waited more than 5 minutes for my appts. All the staff is very friendly, professional and made me feel at ease! I would definitely recommend Dr Hummeldorf and his staff, they’re like a well oiled machine!
- Patricia B
Patient Review By Ashley V
I was referred by my dentist for a wisdom teeth removal. My consultation meeting went super well! Everybody was very friendly. Information and questions were all provided and answered during that time. Booking The surgery was easy as well. Dr Hummeldorf made everything clear and comfortable as for me as I was very nervous to be under anesthesia for the first time. My actual Surgery went well and again the staff as well as the doctor made me feel at ease. I had minimal pain during recovery and it It was nice to know that the doctor was available at any time if needed. Overall my experience was better than I could’ve ever imagined and hoped for! I would highly recommend anybody to be seen by them!
- Ashley V
Patient Review By Angelo C
Wow! What an awesome experience. I was very concerned about the procedure. When I met Dr. Hummeldorf, he immediately put me at ease. He explained each and every step in great detail. All of my follow up appointments were on time and handled in a very professional manner. Not only was Dr. Hummeldorf awesome, but the entire staff from the front desk to the exam room did a fantastic job. I feel lucky and grateful that Dr. Hummeldorf was my oral surgeon.
- Angelo C
Patient Review By Janet P
Amazing experience, I was pleasantly surprised. I highly recommend Dr. H and his crew
- Janet P
Patient Review By Jamie M
This was my first tooth pull and implant so rather nervous. My experience throughout the whole experience was very positive. The staff are super friendly and everyone is very knowledgeable and tentative. Strongly recommend and would definitely come back if needed.
- Jamie M
Patient Review By George B
Dr. Hummeldorf and staff were incredibly professional. They were all very pleasant and made me feel very comfortable. I would recommend. I also received a call the night of my procedure from the Dr asking how I was doing. This was very comforting to me. I know I made the right choice,
- George B
Patient Review By Michael C
I don’t really know where to start. The ENTIRE staff, from the administrative staff welcoming you into the office to the support staff assisting Dr. Hummeldorf in my dental implant procedure to Dr. Hummeldorf himself, is AMAZING! Dr. Hummeldorf’s office is truly the GOLD standard when it comes to oral surgery. Many thanks for taking such very good care of my teeth.
- Michael C
Patient Review By Krista P
I’m very dental-procedure anxious. I needed 4 extractions and 2 bone grafts. I was super nervous about my appointment… but the staff and Dr Hummeldorf quickly got to work. I woke up about an hour later and was all done. I expected pain and was prepared to take the pain medicine. However i experienced no pain, no swelling, no bruising, just a little bleeding. The days after were completely pain free too. (I know, i was surprised too!) I would give that experience a 10/10. (The suture removal, 3 weeks later) was very fast and hurt a tiny bit for a few mins). Overall this was my best dental experience I’ve had. I’m so thankful for Dr. H and his team for helping me through it all.
- Krista P
Patient Review By Carolyn L
While I was excited to finally have my tori removed, I was a little nervous about the procedure. Dr. Hummeldorf and his staff were wonderful. The doctor was very thorough in explaining everything and addressing my questions. Although a difficult removal, all went well. I really appreciate Dr. Hummeldorf calling to check on me. Everyone was very supportive and kind. Thank you so much!
- Carolyn L
Patient Review By Irina Dorfman
Dr. Kurt Hummeldorf is a gem! In today's world of commercialized medicine, true personal attention and genuine care for a patient's well-being are becoming a rarity. But Doctor is a fortunate exception. He is a talented and experienced doctor and a true specialist in his field! No less importantly, he truly does all in his power to help his patients. He is superbly attentive and caring. I am profoundly grateful for his care and for figuring out a course of treatment that made sense in light of my medical condition and personal circumstances. Thank you! Irina Dorfman
- Irina Dorfman
Patient Review By Sil S
I was referred to Dr. K Hummeldorf by my primary dentist for 4 wisdom teeth extractions. I was extremely nervous, hence the YouTube videos I’ve watched prior to my surgery. I anticipated a lot of pain and discomfort but to my surprise, the actual procedure was not even a fraction what I expected, no lingering discomfort nor pain. The staff is highly profesional and friendly and it reflects on the doctor. I am very pleased with my experience 🙂
- Sil S
Patient Review By Vince G
Hey Doc Hummeldorf, Thanks for taking care of me today at Curasmiles. I appreciated your explaining the procedure to me. And, your needle work is amazing!
- Vince G
Patient Review By Steve D
Dr. Hummeldorf is one of the finest Doctors I know, he & his dictated caring staff make you feel at ease along with no waiting past your appointment time is something you don't find these days. I highly recommend and will return to his office for future dental needs. Thank you Dr. Kurt Hummeldorf.
- Steve D
Patient Review By Jesus E
Was first professional oral procedure and it could have not gone any better. Dr. Hummeldorf and his staff makes the process very easy and calming with their welcoming and playful attitude from the scheduling, to the waiting, and surgical procedure. Overall, my experience was super positive and would definitely recommend to anybody who needs a procedure done! And I think the marketing of Dr. Hummeldorf overall brand is the best I’ve seen in any oral surgeon, I know.
- Jesus E
Patient Review By Angella H
Best Dental visit ever even though I was in pain everyone was courteous and provided excellent customer service. Dr. Hummeldorf said he would call me that night to check on me and he totally did so. I was very surprised. I even received a get well card in the mail from him. Super awesome!
- Angella H
Patient Review By Fredrick Y
Dr. Hummeldorf literally saved my 16-year-old daughter Ashley’s life! When Ashley went in to get her wisdom teeth removed in Feb 2021, Dr. Hummeldorf spotted a small bump on her upper right back palate that was not there during the initial consult 3 weeks earlier. Dr. Hummeldorf performed a biopsy and also did a CT scan on his own and discovered an abnormal area between Ashley’s palate and sinus area. Unfortunately, it turned out to be salivary gland cancer, and we got Ashley in for surgery ASAP at UCSD to remove the affected area. Ashley is recovering ok now and her prognosis is good. If Dr. Hummeldorf had not spotted and acted on Ashley’s abnormality, she would still have a cancerous oral tumor continuing to grow. Thank you Dr. Hummeldorf!
- Fredrick Y
Patient Review By Winnie B
Dr. Hummeldorf and his staff were very helpful and eased my nerves prior to the procedure. The office staff made it very easy to schedule appointments/follow ups and were upfront about the total cost of the surgery. They also worked with my insurance to make sure everything was covered beforehand. The surgery itself was very quick and went well (I had all four wisdom teeth removed). I had no problems during recovery. Would definitely recommend.
- Winnie B
Patient Review By Dan G
I was referred by a friend who, over the years, has had 2 very successful implants done by Dr Hummeldorf. I just had an EXCELLENT 2nd opinion- where Dr H took great care and ample time to Explain why I should NOT have an implant done! Thank goodness I cancelled my previous appt with the Dr my dentist wanted me to see— already scheduling me to have my tooth extracted!!! (And my dentist would make the revenue from the Unnecessary implant!) There is a reason that many dentists list NOTHING about their education, training and experience in their websites.. beware. Look into qualifications— as you would any physician. Dr. H has a long list of education, certifications, accomplishments, AND recognized expertise— as a Instructor of Dentistry. He’s honest, and highly skilled— and PUTS HIS PATIENTS FIRST! Thank you Dr. Hummeldorf!
- Dan G
Patient Review By Kimberly P
The amount of nerves I had going into such a lengthy and involved process, was immense. I cannot thank Dr. Hummeldorf enough for being patient, understanding, and easy to get ahold of if I had any questions during this two-year journey. The staff are overly welcoming and very accomodating with my schedule while I'm still in school. Overall, I'm overjoyed with the end result!
- Kimberly P
Patient Review By Diane W
Great experience - dedicated Doctor
- Diane W