Blood Platelet Biomaterial Enhances Healing After Dental Implants

Newswise — Restoring the front 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 current issue of 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—one located in the upper front of the mouth—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. Taking only 15 minutes to prepare, the biomaterial 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 two days after the surgery; at seven days the gingival aesthetic profile was well defined. At six months, a satisfactory final result of the surgery was evident. Two years later, the restoration has proved to be stable and aesthetic.

Full text of the article, “ The Use of Leukocyte- and Platelet-Rich Fibrin During Immediate Postextractive Implantation and Loading for the Esthetic Replacement of a Fractured Maxillary Central Incisor,” Journal of Oral Implantology, Vol. 38, No. 2, 2012, is available at http://www.joionline.org/

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About Journal of Oral Implantology The Journal of Oral Implantology is the official publication of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry and of the American Academy of Implant Prosthodontics. It is dedicated to providing valuable information to general dentists, oral surgeons, prosthodontists, periodontists, scientists, clinicians, laboratory owners and technicians, manufacturers, and educators. The JOI distinguishes itself as the first and oldest journal in the world devoted exclusively to implant dentistry. For more information about the journal or society, please visit http://www.aaid-implant.org/index.html