Osteconductive and biodegrable synthetic scaffold

Background

• It is established that tooth extraction results in alveolar ridge resorption.

• Ridge augmentation is needed to facilitate subsequent tooth restoration such as dental implant.

• Bone grafting is commonly employed, but it is a complex and expensive procedure that carries a significant health risk to the patient.

Technology Overview

A Singapore-based company has developed a proprietary synthetic and rigid scaffold that provides the necessary support for natural bone regeneration and preservation of bone margin; thereby, removing the need for bone grafting.

The scaffold is porous, osteoconductive, biocompatible and biodegrable made from poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) and polyvinyl alcohol.

The scaffold is designed to prevent the collapse of the buccal and lingual walls to achieve width maintenance, and can be used immediately after tooth extraction or in patients opting for delayed implants.

The scaffold crystallinity is adjusted in order to control the rate of degradation of scaffold in the socket to an optimal 2-6 months. This is to allow enough time to maintain the socket integrity and yet dissolve away in time for bone to regenerate and not to obstruct its formation.

Features Benefits

Synthetic Eliminates the fear of cross contamination and social/cultural concerns

Rigid scaffold Prevents collapse of buccal and lingual walls

Macro channels Provides space for blood clot

Interconnected micro porosity

Provides pathway for nutrients

Market Overview

The addressable market segment is sizeable, with an estimated 6.16 million tooth extractions globally that opt for dental implants for tooth restoration and 390 million extractions globally with no immediate decision on tooth restoration.

Regulatory Status

The product is currently registered with the regulatory authorities in Singapore, Taiwan, India, Europe and US.

Opportunity

• Product distribution

• Investment