Dental Bone Graft: A Cornerstone of Regenerative Dentistry
Dental bone graft is a biocompatible material used in dentistry to regenerate bone in areas where there has been bone loss, often due to tooth extraction, periodontal disease, or trauma. This material provides a scaffold for new bone growth, helping to restore bone volume and density, which is crucial for procedures like dental implant placement or supporting adjacent teeth. Dental bone graft, also known as bone powder, is utilized to fill periodontal bone defects and various surgical bone deficiencies, facilitating new bone healing and reconstruction.
To understand the significance of dental bone graft, we can look to Geistlich, a pioneering company in the field hailing from Switzerland.
Geistlich: A Legacy of Innovation in Bone Regeneration
The Geistlich family enterprise was established in Zurich, Switzerland, in 1851. Initially, their primary business involved processing bones and hides into glue.
After several relocations, the company eventually settled in Wolhusen, Switzerland, in 1899. Geistlich Pharma AG’s diverse business units have all evolved from the processing of soft and hard tissues, a specialized expertise the company has cultivated for over 160 years. Leveraging their bone expertise, they entered the pharmaceutical sector in the 1940s.
Beginning in the 1950s, Geistlich expanded its global presence by establishing numerous subsidiaries worldwide, continually broadening its product range to even include cosmetics until the late 1980s.
However, it wasn’t until the 1980s that Geistlich Pharma truly began to invest in regenerative biomaterials. This dedication to research led to the groundbreaking development of a revolutionary technique known as “Guided Bone Regeneration” (GBR).
This pioneering technology, for the first time, enabled the removal of organic components from bone tissue without altering its crucial microscopic structure and mineral composition. This process marked the initial origin of Geistlich bone graft, specifically a bone substitute material derived from bovine bone, which exhibits a striking similarity in structure and chemical composition to human bone.
The Production and Materials of Geistlich Bone Graft
The materials used in the production of bone graft vary across different brands, including bovine bone, hydroxyapatite, and tricalcium phosphate. Here, we will focus on the example of Geistlich’s bovine bone-derived Bio-Oss.
The sourcing of bovine bone undergoes a stringent selection and certification process. The slaughterhouses or suppliers involved are required to adhere to complex and rigorous procedures to ensure a supply of 100% healthy bovine tissue suitable for human use.
Chemical and Physical Purification Process
Geistlich employs a validated, strict process to guarantee the consistently high quality of their pure bone mineral. Their multiphase manufacturing process incorporates distinct measures at each step to achieve a high level of sterilization, specifically targeting potential infectious agents. Comprehensive assessments evaluate the inactivation of viruses and bacteria, effectively reducing the risk of transmission to zero.
It is important to note that the decision to utilize bone graft for filling defects is patient-specific and should always be made in consultation with a dental professional. Patients should follow their dentist’s recommendations and avoid making decisions about their health independently.
A bone graft material valued by clinicians worldwide, often described as a material more precious than gold in its significance for regenerative dental procedures.