Scope of distraction osteogenesis in dentistry – a mini review

Distraction osteogenesis has emerged as an effective treatment modality for the correction of bone anomalies and abnormalities which are either pathological or developmental in origin. Earlier it was predominantly used in orthopaedics for the correction of axial skeleton. Its use in the field of dentistry began in the late twentieth century. Successful results from the initial clinical trials prompted more and more researchers to explore this field. Its use in dentistry involves the correction of craniofacial anomalies, alveolar ridge for the prosthetic rehabilitation and recently for the regeneration of lost periodontium.