Galvosurge represents a modern advancement in dental technology, offering an innovative approach to certain oral health challenges. This system aims to enhance the effectiveness of dental procedures and improve patient outcomes. It provides a controlled and targeted solution for situations that have historically presented difficulties for dental professionals, particularly concerning implant care.
What is Galvosurge
Galvosurge is an electrochemical system specifically engineered for cleaning the surfaces of dental implants. It operates by delivering a low voltage to the metallic implant while simultaneously applying a specialized electrolyte solution to the area. This electrical interaction effectively decontaminates the implant surface. The primary objective is to eliminate bacterial biofilm, a microbial community that contributes to inflammation around dental implants.
This technology provides a distinct advantage over traditional mechanical or chemical cleaning methods by leveraging electrochemical principles to achieve thorough decontamination. It is designed to access and clean intricate implant structures, including microscopic threads and undercuts, where bacteria can readily accumulate. By meticulously removing the biofilm, Galvosurge prepares the implant surface for improved healing and re-establishment of a healthy connection with the surrounding bone tissue. The system completes the cleaning process within two minutes.
The Science Behind Galvosurge
The fundamental principle governing Galvosurge’s operation is electrolysis, a chemical process driven by an electric current passing through an electrolyte solution. During treatment, the dental implant itself functions as a cathode, receiving a controlled low voltage, while an anode, located within the system’s spray head, carries a positive charge. The flow of current between these two electrodes causes the water molecules within the electrolyte solution to dissociate into hydrogen cations and hydroxide anions.
A direct consequence of this reaction is the localized formation of minute hydrogen bubbles, which develop specifically underneath the bacterial biofilm. These hydrogen bubbles exert a mechanical lifting force, gently yet effectively detaching the biofilm from the implant’s surface. This method ensures comprehensive removal of bacterial colonies without causing any structural harm to the metallic implant itself. The controlled generation of these bubbles allows for the decontamination of even complex surface geometries, ensuring that microstructures and threads are thoroughly cleaned, leaving the implant surface prepared for subsequent therapeutic steps and potential re-osseointegration.
Where Galvosurge is Used in Dentistry
Galvosurge is primarily utilized in the management of peri-implantitis, an inflammatory condition characterized by the breakdown of tissues supporting dental implants. This condition frequently results from the persistent accumulation of bacterial biofilm on the implant surface, leading to progressive inflammation and bone loss around the implant. The system’s capacity to remove this biofilm makes it effective in treating affected implants.
During a surgical procedure to address peri-implantitis, after the necessary tissue flap elevation and removal of granulation tissue, the Galvosurge spray head is carefully placed against the implant’s internal connection. This thorough decontamination of the exposed implant surface creates an optimal environment for subsequent regenerative procedures, such as guided bone regeneration, which may be performed to promote re-osseointegration. The technology is specifically applicable to electrically conductive, metallic dental implants that have already integrated with the surrounding bone.
Considering Galvosurge for Treatment
Patients considering dental treatment involving Galvosurge should engage in a discussion with their dental professional to understand its applicability. The system is engineered with patient safety as a priority, utilizing extra-low voltage and designed to be gentle on surrounding soft and hard tissues. During the cleaning procedure, which lasts only a few minutes, a patient might experience the controlled application of an electrolyte solution and the subtle action on the implant surface.
Following the Galvosurge treatment, the dental professional will proceed with other necessary steps, which could involve bone augmentation or precise flap closure, depending on the individual clinical needs. Patients should anticipate receiving detailed post-operative instructions tailored to their recovery and ongoing care. Consulting with a dental professional is important to determine if Galvosurge is the appropriate treatment option and to understand the entire treatment plan and anticipated long-term results. Galvosurge products are not yet available in the US market.