surgically facilitated
orthodontic treatment

What is Surgically Facilitated Orthodontic Treatment?

Surgically Facilitated Orthodontic Treatment (SFOT) is a surgical intervention used prior to orthodontic therapy. It is used to enhance the bone quality and quantity around the teeth as they move orthodontically. Sometimes SFOT is used in conjunction with other periodontal surgery treatments, like soft tissue grafting, to build up the supporting structures of the teeth.  This procedure is performed under IV sedation in the periodontal office.

benefits of sfot

  • Takes a comprehensive, interdisciplinary approach to orthodontic care
  • May avoid tooth extractions
  • Reduces orthodontics treatment time
  • Establishes proper bone structure
  • Lowers incidences of relapse
  • Decreases likelihood of root breakdown
  • Converts this periodontal phenotypes to thin, which reduces the incidence of bone loss influenced from tooth movement
  • Can be used with aligners as well as braces

How long is the recovery period?

Post-operatively, you can expect some discomfort and mild to moderate swelling.  Some patients have no pain and others use Ibuprofen in the immediate post-op period.  You will receive detailed instructions to make your post-op period comfortable.  After 2-3 days, while sutures are still in place, you will be back to normal activities and work.

Is it more expensive?

When combined with other periodontal surgeries, there is only a small additional cost to perform SFOT. Otherwise, the cost for SFOT is similar to having gum grafting or periodontal surgery with an additional cost for bone grafting materials.

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