Non-resorbable plugs
A non-resorbable wound dressing can include a plug made from polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). The plug can have a three-dimensional shape. The plug can be substantially cylindrical. The PTFE can have a high density and be expanded. The PTFE can be non-porous or have a porosity of less than about 0.4 microns. The PTFE can also be unsintered and unexpanded. A method of regenerating alveolar bone includes placing a PTFE plug in a cavity formed in an alveolar bone. Placing the plug in the cavity can include contacting at least a portion of a peripheral surface of the plug with the gingival tissue surrounding the cavity. The method can also include inserting a bone graft material in the cavity before placing the plug in the cavity.
1. A non-resorbable wound dressing, comprising:
a plug comprising a fluoropolymer,
wherein the plug has a three-dimensional shape configured to fit within a cavity of an alveolar bone such that the plug contacts the alveolar bone or surrounding gingival tissue, and wherein the plug has a porosity less than about 0.4 microns or is non-porous.
2. The non-resorbable wound dressing of claim 1 , wherein the three-dimensional shape is a substantially cylindrical shape having a coronal surface, an apical surface, and a peripheral surface extending between the coronal surface and the apical surface.
3. The non-resorbable wound dressing of claim 2 , wherein the plug has a height ranging from about 0.5 mm to about 4 mm.
4. The non-resorbable wound dressing of claim 2 , wherein the coronal surface and the apical surface are substantially circular.
5. The non-resorbable wound dressing of claim 4 , wherein the coronal surface and the apical surface each have a diameter ranging from about 4 mm to about 14 mm.
6. The non-resorbable wound dressing of claim 1 , wherein the fluoropolymer is polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).
7. The non-resorbable wound dressing of claim 6 , wherein the PTFE has a high density.
8. The non-resorbable wound dressing of claim 7 , wherein the high density is in a range from about 1.0 gm/cc to about 2.5 gm/cc.
9. The non-resorbable wound dressing of claim 7 , wherein the PTFE is expanded.
10. The non-resorbable wound dressing of claim 7 , wherein the PTFE is unsintered and unexpanded.
11. The non-resorbable wound dressing of claim 1 , wherein the plug has a rigidity such that the plug firmly presses against the alveolar bone or surrounding gingival tissue when place within the cavity.
12. The non-resorbable wound dressing of claim 11 , wherein pressure between the plug and the alveolar bone or surrounding gingival seals the cavity of the alveolar bone.
13. The non-resorbable wound dressing of claim 1 , wherein the plug is configured to be removed from the cavity of the alveolar bone between 3 to 6 weeks after placement.
14. A non-resorbable wound dressing, comprising:
a plug comprising a fluoropolymer,
wherein the plug has a three-dimensional shape configured to fit within a cavity of an alveolar bone,
wherein the plug the plug has a porosity less than about 0.4 microns or is non-porous, and
wherein the plug is configured to be removed from the cavity of the alveolar bone between 3 to 6 weeks after placement.
15. The non-resorbable wound dressing of claim 14 , wherein the plug is configured to press against the alveolar bone or surrounding gingival tissue when placed within the cavity such that the cavity of the alveolar bone is sealed.