Bone Regeneration
Overview
Since the early 1990's, Dr. Feuerman and Dr. Castellucci have been able to predictably regenerate bone around natural teeth and on edentulous jaw ridges in association with implant reconstruction. This technical advancement, termed "Guided Bone Regeneration", has allowed millions of people to restore health to diseased teeth which would have been condemned to extraction in the past. In other cases, this remarkable therapy has given patients who have already lost teeth a second chance to enjoy the benefits of "permanent teeth" with the help of dental implant reconstruction. In all cases, patients experience an enhanced quality of life as a direct result of improved health, function and appearance.
Biologic Principles of Treatment
It is known that bone heals more slowly than the gum tissues in the mouth. Without Guided Bone Regeneration techniques, the faster healing gum would prevent the bone from maximizing its full healing potential following surgical procedures. The concept of treatment is simple. A biocompatible membrane is placed between the gum and bone which acts as a barrier. This barrier prevents downgrowth of the gum into the underlying bone as it heals. Typically, a bone graft is placed into the underlying bony irregularities, under the membrane, to help the body grow new bone. Some membranes are made of collagen-based materials which are designed to dissolve away, or resorb, after several weeks of healing have passed. Other membranes are made of materials such as Teflon, which also has several medical applications. These membranes are non-resorbable, and must be removed at a later date. Dr. Feuerman and Dr. Castellucci will use their surgical expertise and judgment to determine which membrane is best for your specific needs.
Plasma Rich in Growth Factors (PRGF)
Periodontal Associates is the first office in Massachusetts, and one of the first offices in the USA, to use PRGF. Plasma Rich in Growth Factors is used to enhance and maximize bone regeneration, as well as healing from a variety of surgical procedures. It is well known that there are many naturally occurring blood proteins which serve to speed up and maximize wound healing. PRGF is created in our office by taking a small amount of the patient's own blood and centrifuging it according to a precise protocol. The growth factors are concentrated and PRGF is mixed with graft materials, or used by itself, to promote faster healing for patients! Please feel free to discuss PRGF with one of our doctors.
Treatment Around Natural Teeth
Treatment in Conjunction with Implant Therapy
Restoration of the bony ridge prior to implant placement
Treatment in Conjunction with Implant Therapy
Restoration of the bony ridge prior at the same time as implant placement
