Application of plasmatrix in vertical bone augmentation for implant placement

Vertical bone augmentation surgery still faces considerable challenges in clinical practice due to various problems, such as difficulty in restoring the ideal alveolar bone height and biological complications, and because it is highly technically sensitive. Plasmatrix is derived from patients’ own blood, and it can effectively promote the vascularization of the regenerated area, recruit stem cells, and reduce inflammation when used in vertical bone augmentation. Based on studies published worldwide, this article first divides vertical bone augmentation into 3 categories according to the height of the expected alveolar ridge, namely, type Ⅰ, the required vertical bone gain is less than 4 mm; type Ⅱ, the required vertical bone gain is between 4-8 mm; and type Ⅲ, the required vertical bone gain is greater than 8 mm. In the type Ⅰ vertical bone augmentation, the plasmatrix bone block is directly placed in the defect area and covered with the plasmatrix membrane before tension-free suturing; in the type Ⅱ vertical bone augmentation, the plasmatrix bone block should be placed in the defect area and fixed with titanium nails and then covered with an absorbable collagen membrane and plasmatrix membrane with a tension-free suture; in the type Ⅲ vertical bone augmentation, additional active ingredients (such as bone morphogenetic protein, autologous bone, etc.) should be added to the plasmatrix bone block and strong fixation (such as titanium nails) should be used. Absorbable collagen and plasmatrix membranes should be used to cover the surface of the bone block, and the flap should be sutured. According to different types of vertical bone augmentation categories, the above methods optimize the vertical bone augmentation effect. This article aims to provide a reference and guidelines for oral clinicians to fully understand plasmatrix and simplify the classification and operation of vertical bone augmentation.