Biomaterial Enhances Healing After Dental Implants

Dentistry Today

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Restoring the anterior teeth after a traumatic injury poses a particular challenge biologically, functionally, and aesthetically. Even when all the procedures of a successful implant are followed, healing of tissues can still be an unpredictable element. One approach to improving the outcome of this type of implant is the use of blood platelet concentrates. The Journal of Oral Im­plantology reports the case study of a patient who had fractured an incisor during a sport-related accident. An all-inclusive procedure was performed to both extract the broken tooth and insert an implant. Additionally, a biomaterial of leukocyte- and platelet-rich fibrin was used. Restoring a fractured maxillary anterior tooth through im­plantation requires a number of steps. The fractured root must be extracted, residual bone preserved, the implant correctly positioned, and the soft tissue properly contoured around the implant. However, the implant still requires successful healing to complete the process. Leu­kocyte- and platelet-rich fibrin stimulates the healing process. Strong fibrin membranes enriched with cells and platelet growth factors make a biomaterial that is simple and inexpensive to use. The biomaterial takes only 15 minutes to prepare, thus it is a practical and effective application to use in implant dentistry. Its antihemorrhage properties are well suited for this surgery. In the case study, the use of this fibrin meant that no incisions or sutures were needed, which allowed optimal healing conditions. Positive healing characteristics were noticed 2 days after the surgery; at 7 days, the gingival aesthetic profile was well defined. At 6 months, a satisfactory final result of the surgery was evident. Two years later, the restoration has proved to be stable and aesthetic.


(Source: Journal of Oral Implantology, 2012, Volume 38, Number 2)