W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.

Other

Jeanne B Ambruster

Stephen E Campbell

Todd V Scantlebury

Daniel F Davidson

William R Hardwick

Suzanne Motsinger

Carl W Bolton

La Thaggar Green, Iii

A method for treatment of periodontal disease is disclosed. The gingival tissue is separated from the tooth surface in an area where periodontal disease is present. A biocompatible, porous material such as expanded polytetrafluoroethylene capable of supporting ingrowth of gingival connective tissue and preventing apical migration of gingival epithelium is placed in a laminar relationship to a portion of the perimenter of the tooth surface. The gingival tissue is repositioned around the tooth and in contact with the porous material, with the porous material positioned between the gingival tissue and the tooth. Articles for the treatment of periodontal disease are also disclosed. One article comprises a first portion which is capable of supporting ingrowth of gingival connective tissue and preventing apical migration of gingival epithelium and a second portion which is impermeable to oral tissues and bacteria. Articles and methods for the treatment of bone defects are also disclosed. The articles have a first portion with a surface capable of supporting connective tissue ingrowth configured to contact the bone surrounding the defect and a second portion with a surface substantially impermeable to tissue ingrowth and bacteria invasion extending from the first portion to cover the defect.

Methods and articles for treating periodontal disease and bone defects

A method for treatment of periodontal disease is disclosed. The gingival tissue is separated from the tooth surface in an area where periodontal disease is present. A biocompatible, porous material such as expanded polytetrafluoroethylene capable of supporting ingrowth of gingival connective tissue and preventing apical migration of gingival epithelium is placed in a laminar relationship to a portion of the perimeter of the tooth surface. The gingival tissue is repositioned around the tooth and in contact with the porous material, with the porous material positioned between the gingival tissue and the tooth. Articles for the treatment of periodontal disease are also disclosed. One article comprises a first portion which is capable of supporting ingrowth of gingival connective tissue and preventing apical migration of gingival epithelium and a second portion which is impermeable to oral tissues and bacteria.

A dental implant device. A dental implant device having: (a) a root structure made of a biocompatible, mechanically suitable prosthetic material; (b) a cervical segment projecting above the root structure, made of a biocompatible, nonporous material and having smooth surfaces and together with the root structure forming a member; and (c) a gingival interface made of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene having a porous structure for the ingrowth of connective tissue, located adjacent to the juncture of the root structure and the cervical segment attached to the member and forming a border around the apical end of the cervical segment. The expanded polytetrafluoroethylene provides for an interlocking between the gingival tissue and the pergingival portion of the dental implant preventing bacterial penetration and infection where the implant extends into the oral cavity.

Dental implant with expanded PTFE gingival interface

Growing community of inventors

Flagstaff, AZ, United States of America

Jeanne B Ambruster