What's new with Implant Bone Grafts?
We are at an exciting time when it comes to dental Biomaterials, especially the use of corals as a organic replacement within the world of dentistry.
In the late 80's Professor Eugene White first noticed that ocean corals bared many similarities to that of human bones. He later learned that ocean corals had a similar calcium carbonate & porous structure as well. White postulated that corals would be viable contestants for creating implant bone graft
Through the years, there have been attempts to develop corals as implant bone grafting elements.
Not in all cases was the coral biodegradable which resulted in issues of the patient's recovery.
It was Zhidao Xia that found a way in which to manipulate the coral in such a way that it was more compatible with human bones, construing the whole biodegradability issues.
Today, due to the dwindling number of ocean corals, (due to excessive harvesting) dental bone grafts are grown in controlled aquatic systems on land. This solution assists in creating more efficient and precise products, without the challenges of ocean pollution and mostly refraining from over-harvesting this precious aquatic life form.
Researchers have managed to create coral hybrids that are from select species of corals with stronger, more appropriate for various uses.
The name Professor Rephael Zeltser (head of oral and maxillofacial surgery at Hadassah-Hebrew University Ein Kerem Medical Center) may ring a bell.
Zeltser has been conducting life-altering surgeries for the past 20 years and a true pioneer within the world of reconstructing facial features.
Corals, the solution within the world of Dental Biomaterials and Implant Bone Grafts
Dr. Schwartz from the Core Bone company, located in the Israeli desert created implant bone graft products which are made from land grown corals.
There were 2 factors that Schartz took into account in order to find a new way when growing corals on land for medicinal purposes, especially for the replacement of bones.
The first was the notion that many of today’s problems can be resolved by turning to the ocean for answers.
The second factor was the Kyoto Convention in 1997, which called countries to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Taking this into consideration the Convention had forbidden the harvesting of corals.
Since the coral structure is similar to human bone structure, companies have been harvesting coral for over 20 years.
One of the more common dental procedures today the preservation of sockets after tooth extraction before placing the dental implant.
In order provide a platform for the new dental implant and bone loss, the cavity is filled with implant bone graft granules.
Implant Bone grafts are at the forefront of science, making dental Biomaterials a category that is ever-growing and evolving within the world of dental implant technology.
What will we think of next?