Bone Morphogenetic Protein in Washington, DC

Bone loss in the jawbone resulting from missing teeth, gum (periodontal) disease, or oral trauma may impact a patient's ability to receive dental implants. With advanced surgical techniques, however, Dr. Michael Kuzmik can regrow bone in the jaw to improve oral function, aesthetic appearance, and create the bone level necessary to support dental implants for tooth replacement. Our board-certified oral surgeon uses bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) in bone grafting and jaw reconstruction procedures to enhance the results and encourage the body to regrow bone tissue on its own. BMP occurs naturally in the body but in this case, is genetically manufactured to simulate its effect and activate the action of osteoblasts (bone-building cells) in the jaw.

BMP may be used during surgical treatments that involve the bone, including sinus lifts, ridge augmentation, and tooth extractions. When incorporated into these procedures, BMP assists your body in naturally regrowing bone tissue to levels required for dental implant function and success. If you are in need of a tooth extraction, dental implant surgery, or a bone graft procedure, schedule an appointment with Dr. Kuzmik in one of our Virginia oral surgery practices today.

BMP may be an ideal treatment for your oral health if you need a tooth extraction, have bone loss in your jaw, or wish to replace a missing tooth with a dental implant. Using BMP in your procedure affords several benefits. It directs your body to generate new bone growth from your own tissue and therefore reduces the need for a second surgery to harvest bone from your chin, hip, or shin. BMP may also lessen your healing time, treatment risks, and total cost of care. Though BMP is useful in many cases, it may not be recommended for those who have certain medical conditions or patients who are pregnant, nursing, or may become pregnant over the next year.

Dr. Kuzmik uses BMP during jaw reconstruction and bone grafting procedures to enhance treatment results and create the support needed for dental implants. In many cases, BMP is produced by taking a small amount of your bone from the treatment site. BMP may also be sourced from allograft bone grafting material, which is bone tissue from a bone bank or another human. Dr. Kuzmik will determine the best source of BMP for your needs and preferences during your treatment consultation. We will use iCAT™ cone beam images or other diagnostic tools to plan your procedure accordingly and decide where in your jaw to incorporate BMP.

Dr. Kuzmik and our team will explain your BMP procedure before we begin. To ensure your comfort during your treatment, we will numb the area using local anesthetic and may provide sedation dentistry if you are nervous or anxious about your procedure. The BMP solution is placed onto a special sponge that will dissolve within your bone. Dr. Kuzmik will then position the sponge within the treatment area and cover it with a biocompatible titanium mesh. The mesh material will protect the area and maintain the space for the new bone to grow. We will then suture the gums and allow the bone tissue to heal and integrate with your jaw. As the healing process occurs, your body will help to grow new bone and create a foundation strong enough to support your future dental implant.

During the recovery period following your BMP and bone grafting treatment, it is not unusual to experience minor swelling and discomfort in your jaw and gums. Our team will send you home with special instructions on how to care for your mouth during the healing phase. Dr. Kuzmik may recommend using over-the-counter or prescription pain medications to keep you comfortable following your care. You may also find it helpful to apply cold compresses to your jaw to control any swelling or discomfort. It typically takes about six months for the bone grafting sites to fully heal. Once this occurs, we will have you return to our office for another iCAT scan so that Dr. Kuzmik can evaluate your bone healing and regrowth. Following this visit, we can then plan and schedule your dental implant surgery.

Treatment with BMP may be a covered benefit under your dental insurance, based on your provider and plan specifics. Our business team will talk with your insurance representative and review your coverage amount. If you are not using dental insurance or if any treatment costs are not covered, we will be happy to work out the financial details to help you get the care you need. Our practices offer several convenient payment methods and accept patient financing with CareCredit®.

BMP is an advanced technique used to encourage your body to regenerate tissue and create the bone support needed to improve your health with dental implants. Incorporating this option into your care may also reduce your treatment time, cost, and the need to remove bone tissue from other areas of your body. Dr. Kuzmik is pleased to offer the latest in bone grafting care along with his expertise in improving jawbone health through BMP. To learn if BMP is ideal for your needs, schedule a consultation at one of our Virginia oral surgery practices today.