What is the most important element of biomaterials according to Prof. Anton Friedmann, Head of the Department of Periodontics at the University of Witten, Germany? The answer is: predictability, which means less guessing and more knowing. That’s the key for successful periodontology and this can be achieved with OSSIX Bone.

Here is the original article by Prof. Friedmann reprinted in full*.

“If I had to choose one element I couldn’t do without, it would definitely be predictability. Just think of how significantly it would affect the equation of any dental procedure, let alone the more complex ones: an equation that includes my own skill sets, the products I use, each patient’s biological response, the uniqueness of every dental condition. If I could rely on a product that guarantees predictability, I’d have more room for professional judgement, I’d have more peace of mind. Imagine: less guessing, more knowing. And that’s the key to successful periodontology.

For the sake of proper disclosure, yes, I’m biased. I love these products and I think they are no less than lifechanging. When I run into revolutionary work methods or products, I spread the word so others can also enjoy this miracle.

Facts

The clinical regenerative periodontology currently suggests a predictable effective outcome in defect configurations which are associated either with an infra-bony compound extending 3mm in depth or Furcation Involvement Grade 2 mostly on the buccal or lingual side. Any defect morphology allocated beyond these categories does not respond predictively well to regenerative efforts regardless of the material used and surgical technique applied. Finally, the consensus today tells that in case of horizontal attachment and bone loss any regenerative approach is ridiculous.

I’ve used many materials during the past few decades – all of them good. But something was missing – I had no idea what to expect with any of them. A few years ago, this had changed: I ran into sugar cross-linked collagen biomaterials that significantly improved outcomes and therefore affected both me and my patients. OSSIX® Regenerative Solutions – that’s a name you don’t want to miss.

OSSIX products – membrane, bone substitute and scaffold – are powered by one unique technology that without exaggeration will turn the regeneration we all know into something else: GLYMATRIX.

Why, you ask?

1.     All regenerative products are biocompatible, but only a small number has such a high level of biocompatibility that can be detected by patients as well, resulting in less traumatic procedures and a faster, more tolerable healing process.

2.     How many times have you had to forcefully close a flap, so the membrane is not left exposed, knowing that it would dissolve if you don’t? How many times have you risked tearing the tissue, or caused the patient inconvenience? We simply didn’t have a choice, but now we do, with products that can be left exposed due to their high resistance to degradation. This is what I call quality of life – for myself, as I know I can send the patient home without worrying about repeated visits, and for my patient, who can be less worried about how their post-treatment behavior would affect the result. And to answer your next question, this exposure to oral cavity displays non-toxic response – the insusceptibility towards collagenase activity is proven in vitro, in vivo and in clinical settings. What else could I ask for?

OSSIX products have many other features, such as ease of use and long-term results, but this article is about predictability.

Let’s take OSSIX Bone as an example of the immense importance of predictability in regenerative biomaterials:

In surgical regenerative periodontics

a.     When applied as a spongy bone graft in a surgical approach, OSSIX Bone may substitute missing bone walls in complex 1- to 2-wall vertical periodontal defects. By placing this graft instead of the missing bone, the soft tissue flap is supported by a non-migrating firm but resilient material which is prone to ossification but also completely permeable for PDL-fibroblasts. Even in cases with a compromised healing and soft tissue dehiscence this choice does not require a premature intervention as secondary epithelization occurs at predictable level on top of the material.

b.     When placed into a wide-open furcation area with a root deviation exceeding today’s manageable degree, OSSIX Bone achieves a positive architecture for migrating and invading PDL-Fibroblasts, enhancing the regenerative chance for this morphologically challenging situation.

c.     Combined with sustainable and highly effective biologics, OSSIX Bone, with its regular interconnectivity pores, allows for a rapid cell invasion and sufficient penetration accompanied by a facilitated cell proliferation rate due to membranous cell recruitment phenomenon revealed by sugar cross-linked collagen.

Hence, this combination may appear rationale for an extended use placing the materials in a supracrestal arrangement to support new attachment formation in situations mainly characterized as a horizontal kind of periodontal defect.

As a non-surgical treatment option

The same above mentioned traits argue at least as strongly in non-surgical use. The prerogatives in terms of biofilm control and effective instrumentation of the root surface involved, remain. The application of OSSIX Bone into a defect without flapping the soft tissue appears ambitious, however after a light adaptation of the material this treatment option may open a wide range of benefits for patients suffering from periodontitis today.

Finally, a bit about who I am. As the Head of the Department of Periodontics at the University of Witten (Germany), I am often the author and co-author of scientific articles. I find the world of research fascinating – a chance to learn about better products and improved work methods. But above all this, I’m an implant surgeon and a periodontist and love what I do. To me, academia and clinical practice make an excellent combination, allowing me to continue looking for the best solution available for my patients, at any given moment.”

*This article was originally published here.

Read more about the OSSIX line of regenerative products.