Distraction osteogenesis (DO) is a biologically based technique that enables new bone formation through the gradual separation of surgically created bone segments under controlled mechanical tension. In addition to osteogenesis, DO promotes adaptive changes in surrounding soft tissues, a phenomenon known as distraction histogenesis. Over the past few decades, distraction osteogenesis has gained prominence in maxillofacial surgery for the correction of severe skeletal deformities and for alveolar ridge augmentation prior to implant placement. This narrative review aims to summarize the biological principles, indications, contraindications, phases, devices, and clinical applications of distraction osteogenesis, with particular emphasis on its role in implant dentistry.