Regenerative biologics

Our office is committed to offering the most innovative methods for periodontal surgical procedures. Scientific advances have enabled us to improve upon the body’s own healing process as it generates both hard and soft tissue post-operatively, through specific biologic materials that aid in the healing of both gum tissue and bone. During the healing process, the body releases a number of proteins into the blood called growth factors. Growth factors promote healing by signaling the body to reproduce the exact cells needed to heal and repair the treated area. Growth factors exert their effects through the recruitment and stimulation of cells within the surrounding matrix. In addition, growth factors regulate the complex interactions between cells and it insures each step in the healing process is completed in the correct order. Unfortunately, not everyone produces the ideal amount or type of growth factors when injured or after surgery. The old saying “you can have too much of a good thing” is not true in the case of growth factors. In an attempt to significantly boost a patient’s immune system, synthetic growth factors and oral tissue regeneration products were developed.

For instance, GEM 21S® Growth Factor Enhanced Matrix was developed utilizing innovative tissue engineering principles which combine a bioactive protein (highly purified recombinant human platelet-derived growth factor, rhPDGF-BB) with an osteoconductive matrix (beta-tricalcium phosphate, β-TCP). GEM 21S® promotes regeneration of bone, cementum, and periodontal ligament and is like no other therapy available. GEM 21S® is the only dental therapy containing the growth factor – PDGF, one of the main growth factors found in the body and well known for its role in wound healing. Adequate blood supply is critical in any grafting procedure. Extensive studies have demonstrated that PDGF-BB is a powerful stimulant of angiogenesis (revascularization of the grafted surgical site) that also stabilizes newly formed blood vessels. So how much of a boost does GEM 21S® provide? GEM 21S® contains at least 1,000 times more active growth factor than other preparations on the market to include platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and platelet-rich growth factor (PRGF). After any routine periodontal surgery procedure, patients typically “feel” healed within 24-72 hours. However, the body generally requires weeks or even months to be considered fully repaired. During the healing process the body is restoring blood vessels, soft tissue, and bone in the surgical site. If the periodontist is rebuilding large areas of missing soft tissue or bone, synthetic platelet-derived growth factors, GEM 21S®, greatly enhance the body’s own ability to generate and replace the missing tissue in less time. This is especially important in procedures in which we are trying to replace missing bone for future implant site development. The use of synthetic growth factors can significantly decrease the number of months it will take a patient to heal and be ready for the placement of dental implant(s).

In cases of gingival recession and bone defects, the use of soft and hard tissue allografts can be combined with the use of enamel matrix derivative (EMD) to improve the outcome of the surgical treatment, enhance the esthetics, and enhance the wound healing. EMDs are like growth factors in that they mimick the biological processes of natural tooth development.

The first EMD, called Straumann® Emdogain, is based on a breakthrough in the knowledge of the basic biology of tooth development, enamel matrix proteins, a complex of native proteins that play a key role in the development of tooth-supporting tissues. Comprised of various proteins, which self-assemble to create this matrix, the porcine-derived Straumann® Emdogain mediates the formation of cementum on the root of the developing tooth, providing a foundation for all necessary tissues associated with a true functional attachment. Straumann® Emdogain forms an insoluble three-dimensional extra-cellular matrix. This matrix remains on the root surface for 2-4 weeks and allows for the selective colonization, proliferation and differentiation of cells. Whether the doctor decides to utilize GEM 21S® or Straumann® Emdogain, you can rest assured that your body will benefit immensely from the advances in modern dental research. We highly recommend regenerative biologic materials that aid in healing for the following procedures: Gingival Grafting Multiple Implants Sinus Bone Augmentation Ridge Augmentation/Bone Grafting Clinical Advantages of regenerative biologic materials: Enhance Healing and Growth of Tissue Achieve Optimal Healing in Less Time Predictable Healing Results

periodontal disease progresses, pockets of degenerated bone develop in the jaw. These pockets can promote the growth of bacteria and the spread of infection. To address these pockets, Dr. Hovey or Dr. Corning may recommend regenerative therapy to reduce pocket depth by regenerating lost tissues. During this surgical procedure, the pockets are cleaned thoroughly, and a protein or protein matrix is applied to the defect and adjacent tooth surface. These regenerative proteins may also be combined with a bone allograft and/or resorbable collagen membrane, depending on the size and shape of the defect treated.