Bone Preservation Pellets for Alveolar Ridge Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
The loss of alveolar bone after tooth extraction leads to inadequate support for dental implants and prostheses, resulting in compromised aesthetics, chewing ability, and increased failure rates due to the softer, porous nature of the deteriorated bone.
Innovation Solution
A biocompatible pellet with a polymer coating or composite structure is placed within the extraction site or on existing bone to facilitate bone growth, providing a scaffold for osteoinduction or osteoconduction, which enhances the structural integrity and supports dental implants and prostheses by promoting new bone formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If tooth extraction is performed, then dental treatment can be initiated, but alveolar bone resorption occurs leading to inadequate support for implants and prostheses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by placing bone preservation pellets at the extraction site immediately after tooth removal, before significant bone resorption can occur. The pellets are inserted into the extraction socket and secured with a barrier membrane, creating a protective scaffold that maintains bone structure and promotes new bone formation in the early healing phase, thereby preventing the 40-60% bone loss that would otherwise occur within the first year.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes porous materials by employing bone preservation pellets with a porous or mesh-like structure that allows bone ingrowth and integration. The porous configuration enables osteoblasts to migrate through the pellet structure, deposit new bone matrix, and form strong mechanical interlocking with the surrounding alveolar bone, thereby maintaining bone density and providing adequate support for future implants.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If alveolar bone is allowed to resorb naturally, then the extraction site can heal, but the bone becomes softer and more porous reducing implant stability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the physical and chemical parameters of the extraction site through the use of bone preservation pellets. The pellets alter the local microenvironment by providing structural support, releasing bone morphogenic proteins, and changing the mineralization rate of the forming bone. This results in denser, stronger bone with improved mechanical properties compared to naturally healing bone, thereby increasing implant stability and reliability.
3Strength
If bone augmentation is performed to maintain bone density, then implant support is improved, but the complexity of the surgical procedure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs disposable bone preservation pellets that are inexpensive, biodegradable materials designed for single-use application. The pellets are made from absorbable polymers or composite materials that can be easily inserted and removed without complex instrumentation. After serving their purpose of maintaining bone density for 6-12 months, the pellets naturally resorb and are replaced by new bone tissue, eliminating the need for complex retrieval procedures.
4Loss of time
If immediate implant placement is performed, then treatment time is reduced, but lack of adequate bone support increases failure risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by placing bone preservation pellets in the extraction socket immediately after tooth removal, creating a foundation of dense, supportive bone before implant placement. This preliminary bone formation occurs over 6-12 months while the patient uses temporary prosthetics, allowing the bone to mature and strengthen before the final implant is placed, thereby ensuring adequate support and reducing failure risk.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses bone preservation pellets as intermediary structures that mediate between the extraction site and the final implant. The pellets serve as a temporary scaffold that promotes bone formation and provides mechanical support during the healing phase, acting as a bridge that transforms the weak, resorbing extraction site into a strong, implant-ready bone structure with improved density and stability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The pellet effectively preserves and augments bone tissue, providing enhanced support and stability for dental implants and prostheses, reducing the risk of failure and maintaining the original bone shape, thereby improving oral health and aesthetics.
Implementation Method 1
designed to enhance a bone growth environment by osteoinduction or osteoconduction
Implementation Method 2
designed to enhance a bone growth environment by osteoinduction or osteoconduction
Implementation Method 3
The pellet comprises one or more biocompatible materials having a polymer coating or a combination composite coating
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments described herein are related to pellets that are placed within an extraction site that is in need of bone augmentation and preservation. The pellets are typically cylindrical in shape and comprise a material and a polymer coating. The goal of the pellets are to encourage sufficient new bone growth that jaw bone deterioration is prevented. The pellets create, arrange, and assemble an ideal growth environment for new bone growth to rapidly grow and preserve the original contours of an individual's jaw bone.