Surgical Procedures

Extraction with Cavitation

Biologic extraction of infected teeth includes certain steps to optimize healing after an extraction and to increase bone and tissue regeneration. After the tooth is removed, the socket has to be completely cleaned so that complete healing can occur. If tissue such as torn pieces of ligaments or periosteum is left in the socket and covers the bone, the bone will tend to heal over the top, leaving a hole in the bone, and new bone cannot form. This hole can persist for the rest of the patient’s life. It is a chronic infection that is called an alveolar cavitational osteopathosis or cavitation. This means that there is an infected cavity in the bone. These bone infections are only now being seriously researched.

Ozone (O3) is a supercharged version of regular Oxygen (O2). We use it at AOSC as a means of improving bone healing after extraction, bone grafting and implant placement. It does this by sterilizing the surgical bed and enhancing the quality of blood flow to the affected area. This prevents infections while enhancing bone formation.

The hollow space of a cavitation becomes a breeding ground for various microorganisms. As long as they are contained in the local area, the condition is symptomless. But over time, as the natural defenses that keep the microorganisms in check weaken – either through aging, disease or stress. As a result, the microorganisms and the toxins they produce spread to other areas of the body via the lymph, blood and nerves.

The end result can be a systemic condition causing pain, weakness, impaired nutrition, and a host of other disease conditions specific to organs and glands throughout the body.

One of the most commonly cited problems related to cavitations is a condition in which the person suffers from sometimes debilitating referred pains, often in the face or head.

The treatment for a cavitation is surgical removal of the infected and gangrenous bone. If not completely removed, the cause of the condition remains intact and the toxins will continue to circulate throughout the body. When performed on a recent extraction site, the surgery is a relatively uncomplicated. But at old extraction sites, the task is more difficult because it is not easy to image the actual cavitation site. Without a clear picture, it is hard to determine whether the area has been completely cleaned of the infected or necrotic tissues. What is more, patients who have suffered with chronic cavitations need to detoxify and rebuild their system. This must be done as an individualized protocol usually involving a combination of nutritional, herbal and homeopathic remedies.

Ceramic implants

For our holistic patients or people that are allergic or sensitive to metal, we are pleased to offer ceramic implants. You may have also heard the term Zirconia implant being used and you can be assured that these are one in the same. Zirconia dental implants are made from special, industrial, high impact resistant ceramic (zirconium oxide, ZrO2) that is customarily used in aerospace engineering because of its high resistance to fracture and heat. To provide our patients with the best quality, Dr. Baranovitch uses ceramic implants only in order to provide a metal-free, holistic and esthetic solution.

Ceramic implants are highly biocompatible with the human body; high-impact ceramic implants provide a viable alternative to metal (titanium) implants. Ceramic implants have already made their mark for years in Europe and South America. Studies show that the osseointegration—the process of bone growing right up to the implant surface—of zirconia and titanium implants is very similar, and that zirconia implants have a comparable survival rate, making them an excellent alternative to metal implants.

Benefits of Ceramic Implants

Holistic and Metal-Free –Many patients are concerned about putting metal in their mouths and are looking to switch to more holistic dental prosthetics. Ceramic implants do not contain metal and are free of allergens, providing a more holistic approach to replacing missing teeth
Aesthetically-Pleasing –Ceramic dental implants are more aesthetically-pleasing due to their gorgeous white and smooth finish. This creates a seamless look in the mouth for a more uniform smile. The zirconia also stays white despite being in a patient’s mouth for years.
Better Bond with Bone –Overall osseointegration with the bone has been found to either be similar to or better than titanium implants when using ceramic. This is ideal for patients who have had failed implants and need a more stable solution to their oral health needs.
Helps with Plaque Accumulation –Due to its smooth finish, ceramic implants inhibit the adhesion of plaque and bacteria, lending to a healthier smile and mouth. This prevents failure of the implant due to bacteria and inflammation.
High Endurance –When it concerns ceramic vs metal, ceramic has a higher endurance rate than titanium. These implants can endure up to 150 pounds of force before fracturing and cracking, which is highly beneficial to people of all ages and sizes.
No Allergic Reactions –Some patients have an allergy to titanium and unfortunately, it is not uncommon for surgeons to find out about this allergy until a titanium implant has been placed. Because zirconia is a clean and metal-free option, it is ideal for patients with allergies and for surgeons who are looking to prevent potential allergic reactions in patients.
Non-Polar –Because of the implant’s non-polar structure, bacteria will not adhere onto the zirconia implant as it would on titanium. This creates a healthier implant option for the mouth without the fear of bacterial growth underneath the gums.
Non-Heat Conductive –Unlike metal, ceramic implants do not conduct heat. Titanium can and will conduct as well as hold onto heat, which could damage surrounding tissue. Once the zirconia implant has been placed, the tissue around the implant can heal and will remain unaffected.
Preserves Bone –Titanium has been shown to cause peri-implant bone loss in those who have had implants placed. Ceramic implants, on the other hand, do not cause this bone loss and are more ideal for long-term surgical use.
Cleaner –Ceramic implant margins are placed at the gum line, whereas titanium is placed underneath the gum line. This above gum level option helps the patient to keep the implant cleaner and preserves healthy surrounding gum tissue as a result of better oral hygiene.
No Metallic Taste – Titanium is a metal that can cause corrosion and oxidation, resulting in a metallic taste in the mouth for your patients. Zirconia is clean and free of metal, preventing that unpleasant metallic taste after implantation has been complete.

PRF- Platelet Rich Fibrin Treatment

Platelet Rich Fibrin (or PRF) is a type of plasma rich protein (PRP) that is derived by fractioning blood into its components. PRF is used primarily in bone and soft tissue regeneration. It is a technique that uses a small amount of the patients own blood to isolate crucial proteins that stimulate healing, foster new bone growth, and repair soft tissue in surgical sites. And, because PRF is derived from the patient’s own blood and tissue, the process is very safe with little risk of disease transmission or rejection from the donor.

The Excitement about PRF

PRF is considered a breakthrough in bone and soft tissue regeneration because it permits the body to take advantage of the normal healing pathways at a greatly accelerated rate. When the body is wounded and needs to heal, many different cells and cell-types are rushed to the site of the injury. These cells initiate the healing process by forming blood clots and releasing growth factors into the wound. The more growth factors that are introduced to the wound, the quicker and more efficiently the body is able to heal.

By introducing PRF to the surgical area, the body is able to take advantage of a large amount of growth factors without the blood cells. This allows for accelerated healing but without the immune system response of swelling and inflammation. PRF also has been shown to increase the formation of new bone. By adding PRF to the surgical site, the doctor can now grow bone more predictably and faster than ever before. This is of great significance when placing dental implants.

The Advantages of PRF

It is Safe.PRF is derived from the patient’s own blood. As a result, disease transmission is not an issue.
It is Convenient.PRF is easily generated in our office and can be done while the patient is undergoing another procedure, such as placement of dental implants.
It helps with Faster Healing.By saturating the wound with PRF, the patient will experience faster healing time and tissue regeneration.
It is Cost Effective. Because we are able to generate PRF in office, the patient need not go through the expense of a harvesting procedure in a hospital or at a blood bank.
It is Easy to Use.PRF is easy to handle and makes applying bone substitute materials and bone grafting products easier to manipulate.