Ossix Bone is a specialized material used in various dental and oral surgical procedures. It functions as a bone grafting material designed to support the body’s natural ability to regenerate its own bone. This material helps establish a foundation where bone has been lost or is insufficient, preparing the area for future dental treatments like implant placement.
The Science Behind Ossix Bone
Ossix Bone is a xenograft, meaning it is derived from a non-human animal source, specifically porcine (pig) collagen. It consists of collagen and hydroxyapatite minerals, forming a sponge-like block. This blend provides a bioresorbable scaffold that the body eventually replaces with its own bone.
The material’s effectiveness is attributed to its patented GLYMATRIX technology. This process involves cross-linking collagen molecules using naturally occurring sugars, creating a stable and resilient matrix. This sugar cross-linked collagen matrix provides a spacious environment that encourages vascularization, cellular proliferation, and the maturation of bone-forming cells. As new bone tissue develops and fills the scaffold, Ossix Bone slowly and predictably dissolves, leaving behind true, newly formed bone.
Common Dental Procedures Using Ossix
A common application for Ossix Bone is ridge preservation, also known as socket preservation. After a tooth extraction, this material is placed into the empty socket to prevent the jawbone from shrinking. This helps maintain bone volume and shape, preparing the site for a dental implant. In many cases, Ossix Bone can be used in socket preservation without an additional membrane.
Ossix Bone is also used in sinus augmentation, often called sinus lifts. This procedure addresses situations with insufficient bone height in the upper jaw, typically above the back teeth, to support dental implants. The material is carefully placed to increase bone volume in the sinus area, providing a stable base for implants.
It also aids in regenerating bone lost due to advanced gum disease. When gum disease causes significant bone loss, Ossix Bone can rebuild the supporting bone structure. This approach aims to restore tooth stability and overall oral health.
What to Expect During and After the Procedure
During the procedure, Ossix Bone is surgically placed at the targeted site. It is hydrated with the patient’s blood from the surgical area for integration. The surrounding gum tissue is then carefully closed over the site, allowing healing to begin.
The body gradually transforms the Ossix Bone scaffold into natural bone. Initial soft tissue healing around the incision site generally occurs within about 14 days. Complete integration, called osseointegration, takes longer. Smaller grafted sites may take 15 to 19 weeks, while larger areas require 22 weeks or more, up to nine months, for full maturation.
After the procedure, patients may experience some tenderness, discomfort, and minor swelling or bleeding. Post-operative care typically involves cold compresses, rest, and prescribed medications to manage discomfort. Patients are usually advised to avoid chewing directly on the grafted area for several weeks and to maintain good oral hygiene. The dentist will monitor healing progress through follow-up appointments and imaging, ensuring the bone is stable enough before subsequent treatments, such as placing a dental implant.