Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Bone loss can have many different causes – e. g. trauma or inflammation of the gums and bone due to bacterial tooth plaque (periodontitis). Also after teeth have been removed, the height and thickness of the jaw bone diminishes due to the lack of mechanical loading.

Geistlich Bio-Oss® is intermingled with new bone after four to six months and is then included in the natural remodelling process of the bone. The protective Geistlich Bio-Gide® membrane as well as our soft-tissue matrices Geistlich Mucograft® and Geistlich Fibro-Gide® are broken down naturally by the body and replaced by body tissue

Geistlich biomaterials have been part of the standard therapy in the field of bone reconstruction by dentists and dental surgeons for many years. They are the biomaterials most frequently used in regenerative dental medicine throughout the world and have been used many million times, so extensive amounts of data and reports of experience exist. In addition, a great number of clinical studies document the reliability of our products.

The bone recedes in the weeks and months after tooth removal. Some of the following problems may occur: 

• Esthetic impairment: The gum follows the receding bone leading to visible soft-tissue defects. 
• Hygiene: recession of the hard and soft-tissues under a fixed bridge can make it more difficult, or impossible to clean adequately. 
• Difficulty with articulation: bone and soft-tissue loss can create open spaces between the teeth or under a restoration that can affect articulation. 
• Expensive and complicated follow-up treatments: The loss of bone will have to be replaced and can require extensive bone and soft-tissue augmentation.

Meticulous selection of raw materials, together with a strictly controlled manufacturing process, allows Geistlich biomaterials to conform to the highest safety requirements and ensures high tolerability.

Our strict manufacturing criteria:

• Careful selection of raw materials for the manufacture of Geistlich biomaterials, using bone substance or collagen only from monitored establishments.
• Highly effective cleaning process using chemical and physical treatments and long periods of heating (Geistlich Bio-Oss®).
• Monitored production process with regular checks by independent institutions and state authorities.
• Sterilization of end products.
• Documented quality assurance system.

1. Dental implants: To support and augment the jaw bone when using dental implants, if the existing amount of bone is not sufficient to stabilize the implant long-term. 
2. Periodontitis: To preserve existing teeth that have lost the supporting bone in the jaw as a result of periodontal disease (e.g. due to bacterial tooth plaque).
3. Extensive bone damage: Bone reconstruction after extensive bone loss.

A biomaterial is any matter, surface or construct that interacts with biological systems; they can be derived from nature or synthesized in a laboratory.  When used in a medical application, biomaterials can be implanted to replace or repair missing tissue.