Bone loss in the jaw is a common concern that can arise from various factors, including tooth extraction, untreated gum disease, trauma, or inflammation. When a tooth is removed, the bone that once supported it can resorb or shrink, leading to insufficient bone volume for future dental procedures like implant placement. Dental bone grafting is a procedure designed to rebuild or augment this lost bone, providing a stable foundation for restorations. Augma bone graft cement offers a modern solution within this field, utilizing a synthetic material to facilitate natural bone regeneration.
The Science of Synthetic Bone Cement
Augma bone graft materials are synthetic bone substitutes, meaning they are laboratory-produced and do not originate from human or animal donors. Their composition is primarily based on biphasic calcium sulfate (BCS), a mineral. This material is biocompatible, osteoconductive, and designed to fully resorb over time.
The unique mechanism of Augma products involves their initial setting as a moldable cement when mixed with a physiological solution like saline. This cement hardens rapidly, creating a stable scaffold within the bone defect. Over several months, the body’s natural healing processes gradually break down this biphasic calcium sulfate scaffold, replacing it entirely with the patient’s own natural bone. This complete regeneration differs from some traditional graft materials that may integrate with the existing bone but do not fully dissolve.
The Augma Grafting Procedure
The Augma bone grafting procedure is performed in a dental clinic and typically takes between 45 to 90 minutes. The process begins with the careful preparation of the surgical site, which often involves thoroughly cleaning the extraction socket or bone defect to remove any granulation tissue.
Next, the Augma material, usually provided in a smart syringe with two chambers, is activated. The clinician slowly pushes a shaft to mix the liquid (saline) with the granulated powder, transforming it into a putty-like, moldable consistency. This activated cement is then precisely placed into the bone defect or extraction socket, slightly overfilling the area.
After placement, the material is compacted firmly with a dry gauze for about three seconds. The site is then closed, often with sutures, and sometimes a protective barrier like Augma Shield™ is placed over the graft, which adheres well and is secured with sutures for 12 to 14 days.
Common Dental Applications
Augma bone grafts are frequently used in various dental scenarios to address bone deficiencies. A primary application is socket preservation, which involves placing the graft material immediately after a tooth extraction. This procedure helps prevent the natural collapse and shrinkage of the alveolar bone that typically occurs after tooth removal, maintaining the bone’s dimensions for future implant placement.
The material is also utilized in ridge augmentation, where it builds up the jawbone’s height or width to create sufficient volume for dental implants. This is particularly relevant when significant bone loss has occurred, making direct implant placement challenging. Augma bone cements can fill these defects.
Furthermore, Augma grafts can be applied to fill bone defects caused by periodontal disease or cysts. Periodontal disease can lead to bone deterioration around existing teeth, and grafting in these areas aims to improve tooth integration and overall bone health. The versatility of the material allows for its use in various bony defects, facilitating true bone regeneration.
Healing and Bone Regeneration Timeline
Following an Augma bone graft procedure, the initial recovery period typically spans about two weeks. During the first 24 to 48 hours, minor bleeding and swelling are common. A blood clot forms at the graft site.
Soft tissue healing progresses during the first couple of weeks, though the appearance might initially suggest the material has collapsed, which is a normal part of the process and does not indicate failure. Non-resorbable sutures are typically removed after 2 to 6 weeks.
The main bone regeneration process, where the Augma material is replaced by the patient’s own natural bone, takes several months. In most clinical cases, a solid bone mass is achieved within 3 to 6 months. More extensive procedures, such as sinus lifts or cases with significant bone deficiency, may require a longer waiting period before the site is fully ready for subsequent treatments like dental implant placement.