Essential Questions About Dental Treatments and Procedures

Q: Essential Questions About Dental Treatments and Procedures

Dear Ms. <br>Lin： The technique you referred to as "blood extraction for bone regeneration" involves drawing 8-10 cc of blood, which is then subjected to layered centrifugation to produce a high concentration of platelets. <br>This is similar to the regenerative membranes used in

Questions about dental treatment?

Dear Dr.
Huang,
I have a few questions regarding dental treatment.

1) I am currently considering dental implant surgery for a tooth.
The doctor informed me that I need to have blood drawn for "bone grafting." After the tooth extraction, my own cells are considered the best material for use in the implant surgery, as they can promote faster and better healing of the bone.
However, this procedure is quite expensive, costing around NT$20,000.
I would like to ask if this is a necessary step, and what are the advantages and disadvantages of this method.
Thank you.
2) I have a tooth in the upper left that has undergone root canal treatment.
It now requires a crown, but the root canal treatment was done approximately three years ago, and I need to undergo additional treatment before placing the crown.
The X-ray indicates that there seems to be an infection at the root of the tooth, and I would need to spend NT$18,000 for this treatment.
Should I pay out of pocket to have the tooth treated before placing the crown, or are there other options available under health insurance?
Thank you for taking the time to respond.
I wish you all the best.
Sincerely,
Ms.
Lin
June 23

Miss Lin, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2007/06/23

Dr. Huang Zhicheng reply Dentistry

Dear Ms.
Lin: The technique you referred to as "blood extraction for bone regeneration" involves drawing 8-10 cc of blood, which is then subjected to layered centrifugation to produce a high concentration of platelets.
This is similar to the regenerative membranes used in dental procedures for promoting bone regeneration.
It can assist in postoperative hemostasis and contains various growth factors that aid in bone regeneration.
This technique is often utilized in dental implants when bone grafting is involved, as it can help prevent bone loss from the graft.
However, whether it can enhance outcomes or shorten the healing period for early recovery still requires further clinical observation.
The necessity of this technique largely depends on whether there is sufficient bone volume during your implant procedure and whether bone grafting is needed.
Root canal treatment is generally covered by health insurance, but some specialists may require patients to pay out-of-pocket when using a microscope or ultrasonic instruments for the procedure.
When it comes to preserving critical teeth, spending your own money to retain a tooth is worthwhile.

Reply Date: 2007/06/23

More Info

Dear Miss Lin,
Thank you for your detailed questions regarding dental treatments. I appreciate your concerns and will address each of your inquiries thoroughly.

1. Bone Grafting for Dental Implants: The procedure you mentioned, where blood is drawn to create a bone graft using your own cells, is known as Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy. This technique involves concentrating platelets from your blood, which contain growth factors that can enhance healing and bone regeneration. The use of your own cells is indeed beneficial as it reduces the risk of rejection and promotes faster healing.
Advantages:
- Enhanced Healing: The growth factors in PRP can accelerate the healing process and improve the integration of the implant with the jawbone.

- Reduced Risk of Complications: Using your own biological material minimizes the risk of infection and other complications associated with foreign materials.

Disadvantages:
- Cost: As you mentioned, this procedure can be quite expensive, and not all dental insurance plans cover it.

- Variable Results: While many patients benefit from PRP, the effectiveness can vary based on individual healing responses and the specific condition of the bone.

Whether this procedure is necessary depends on the condition of your jawbone. If your bone density is sufficient, you may not need this additional step. However, if there is significant bone loss, PRP could be advantageous for a successful implant.

2. Retreatment Before Crown Placement: Regarding your tooth that has undergone root canal treatment and now shows signs of infection, it is crucial to address any underlying issues before placing a crown. If the X-ray indicates that the root is infected, it is advisable to treat this infection first.
Treatment Options:
- Retreatment: This involves reopening the tooth, cleaning out any infected material, and possibly redoing the root canal procedure. Although this incurs additional costs, it is essential for the long-term success of the crown.

- Insurance Coverage: Root canal treatments are often covered by dental insurance, but coverage can vary based on the specifics of your plan and the techniques used (e.g., if a microscope or advanced tools are employed).

It is generally recommended to resolve any infection before proceeding with a crown. This ensures that the crown will have a stable foundation and reduces the risk of future complications.

In conclusion, while both procedures involve additional costs, they are crucial for ensuring the long-term success of your dental treatments. I recommend discussing these options further with your dentist, who can provide personalized advice based on your specific dental health and treatment goals.

Wishing you the best in your dental journey, and may all your treatments go smoothly!
Best regards,
Doctor Q&A Teams

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