BONE MORPHOGENETIC PROTEIN

Bone morphogenetic protein is a naturally occurring protein in your body that can be used as a bone graft substitute. These isolated proteins appear in specific cells, and they play a huge role in forming new cartilage and bone. In particular, they are essential during embryonic development and early skeletal formation. In later life, these proteins can also be used in oral surgery and dentistry.

Therapeutic and Surgical Uses for Bone Morphogenetic Proteins

Bone morphogenetic protein is used in spinal fusions and oral surgery. These proteins can also be used therapeutically for patients with chronic kidney disease, and researchers are currently testing the use of these proteins for patients who have lost glomeruli (nerve endings and small blood vessels) due to sclerosis.

These morphogenetic proteins can work in all of those arenas because they aren’t just focused on bones. Rather, they are critical to all types of tissue architecture throughout the body.

The Process of Using Bone Morphogenetic Proteins

If you need a bone graft or have one of the issues mentioned above, a surgeon or healthcare professional can put these proteins into the necessary area of your body. Typically, the proteins are soaked into a collagen sponge. Collagen is another type of protein in your body. Found in muscles, bones, blood vessels, and tendons as well as other parts, this protein replaces dead skin cells and provides strength and elasticity to all of these areas of the body.

Over time, the collagen sponge gets reabsorbed into the body. In other words, it slowly disappears. As this happens, the bone morphogenetic protein is slowly released and that stimulates the healing process and leads to additional bone growth if necessary. This approach gives your body the proteins that it needs in a slow consistent dosage in a localized spot.

Benefits of Using Bone Morphogenetic Proteins

When compared to a traditional bone graft, using bone morphogenetic protein offers a lot of advantages. Most importantly, the surgeon doesn’t have to remove bone from any other parts of your body. That allows you to avoid a potentially painful procedure and the complications that may accompany that procedure. Additionally, your body only has to heal one area. It doesn’t have to simultaneously heal the implant site and the place from where the graft was taken.

Risks of Bone Morphogenetic Protein as a Bone Graft Substitute

Your oral surgeon or medical professional can talk with you about any specific risks in your particular circumstances. However, in most cases, the risks are the same as with any similar procedures except there will be more swelling post surgery with PMP.

If you need a bone graft for a dental implant or for any other purpose, you may want to consider bone morphogenetic protein. Contact the team at Greater Atlanta Oral Facial Surgery to learn more about this option. We are an oral and maxillofacial dental office with two convenient locations in Cumming and Buckhead.