Ridge Modification - A procedure called Ridge Modification is performed to correct the problem. First, the implant dentist will lift the gum away from the ridge to expose the bony defect. The defect is then filled with bone or bone substitutes to build up the ridge. The incision is closed and allowed to heal. The jaw bone usually will be allowed to develop for about four to twelve months before implants can be placed. For some patients, the implant can actually be placed at the same time the ridge is modified.

Tooth loss can cause an indentation in the gums and jawbone where the tooth used to be. This happens because the jawbone recedes when it no longer is holding a tooth in place. Not only is this indention unnatural looking, it also causes the replacement tooth to look too long compared to the adjacent teeth.

Ridge augmentation can fill in this defect recapturing the natural contour of the gums and jaw. A new tooth can then be created that is natural looking, easy to clean and beautiful

Oftentimes, periodontists may use several different types of procedures to build a framework for your perfect smile.

WHAT IS rhBMP-2 OR INFUSE®?

INFUSE® Bone Graft is a bone filling material for dental use, and contains a bone protein. It is an alternative to grafting a patient’s own bone. It is used to fill space where bone is needed in order to place endosseous dental implants. Endosseous dental implants are inserted in the jaw and have an exposed head that can be used to secure dental devices like a crown, bridge or denture.

Body continues to remodel new bone in response to environmental and mechanical forces. New blood vessel formation also occurs during this process called angiogenesis. Induced bone integrates with pre-existing bone & functions as native bone.

The INFUSE® Bone Graft consists of two components–recombinant human Bone Morphogenetic Protein-2 (rhBMP-2) and is placed on an absorbable collagen sponge (ACS).

• Self protective unlike particulate bone. Blood cells are attracted to the wound area in large numbers (stem cells, white blood cells, red blood cells, fibroblasts, macrophages).
• Easier to use then particulate or “dead” cadaver bone.
• Can be used along with particulate bone and is still self protecting.
• Reduction in the incidence of infection.
• Stimulates blood vessel growth or angiogenesis.
• Can increase tissue thickness.
• Faster healing with less discomfort.
• Mobilizes stem cell formation and acquisition at least ten time greater normal.
• Grows your own human bone.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF INDICATIONS, CONTRAINDICATIONS, WARNINGS, AND PRECAUTION FOR INFUSE® BONE GRAFT FOR CERTAIN ORAL MAXILLOFACIAL AND DENTAL REGENERATIVE USES

INFUSE® Bone Graft is indicated as an alternative to autogenous bone graft for sinus augmentations, and for localized alveolar ridge augmentations for defects associated with extraction sockets.

INFUSE® Bone Graft is contraindicated for patients with a known hypersensitivity to recombinant human Bone Morphogenetic Protein-2, bovine Type I collagen or to other components of the formulation and should not be used in the vicinity of a resected or extant tumor, in patients with any active malignancy or patients undergoing treatment for a malignancy, in pregnant women, or patients with an active infection at the operative site.

There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in human pregnant women. In an experimental rabbit study, rhBMP-2 has been shown to elicit antibodies that are capable of crossing the placenta. Women of childbearing potential should be warned by their surgeon of potential risk to a fetus and informed of other possible dental treatments. The safety and effectiveness of this device has not been established in nursing mothers. Women of childbearing potential should be advised to not become pregnant for one year following treatment with this device.

Sometimes swelling occurs in closed sites for up to two weeks due to increase in cellular activity

Depending on the size of graft needed as little as $500 more than a traditional bone graft and membrane. As the size gets greater, the cost goes up slightly.

THE CYCLE OF BONE FORMATION