What is Piezosurgery?
Piezosurgery is a minimally invasive surgical technique that uses ultrasonic vibrations to precisely cut and remove bone tissue. It was first introduced in the 1980s as a way to improve the accuracy and safety of bone surgery.
The term “piezosurgery” comes from the Greek word “piezein,” which means “to press” or “to squeeze.” In this technique, an ultrasonic handpiece vibrates at a frequency of 25-30 kHz, creating a gentle, precise cutting action that is highly effective for bone surgery. The handpiece is equipped with specialized tips that are designed for different types of bone tissue and surgical procedures.
Piezosurgery is widely used in dentistry, particularly in procedures such as tooth extractions, implant placement, and periodontal surgery. It is also used in other surgical specialties, such as orthopedics, neurosurgery, and plastic surgery.
How is it better than conventional devices?
One of the key advantages of piezosurgery is its precision. Because the ultrasonic vibrations only cut bone tissue and do not affect soft tissue, there is minimal damage to surrounding structures. This results in faster healing times, less pain, and reduced risk of complications such as nerve damage or bleeding.
However, piezosurgery does have some limitations. Because it is a relatively new technique, not all surgeons are trained to use it, and the equipment can be expensive.
Overall, piezosurgery is a promising technique that offers many benefits for patients and surgeons alike.
Application of Piezosurgery in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Piezosurgery is commonly used in maxillofacial surgery, which is a specialty that involves the diagnosis, treatment, and management of conditions affecting the head, neck, face, jaws, and oral cavity. In this field, piezosurgery is used to perform a variety of procedures that require precision cutting and shaping of bone tissue.
Some of the most common applications of piezosurgery in maxillofacial surgery include:
- Dental Implant Placement: Piezosurgery is used to create a precise and clean osteotomy (a surgical hole in bone) for the placement of dental implants. This results in better primary stability of the implant and faster osseointegration.
- Sinus Lift: A sinus lift is a procedure to augment the amount of bone in the posterior upper jaw, which is commonly required for the placement of dental implants in that region. Piezosurgery can be used to create a small and precise window in the maxillary bone, allowing for easier access to the sinus membrane.
- Bone Grafting: In cases where there is not enough bone to support dental implants or to treat bone defects, piezosurgery can be used to perform bone grafting procedures. The precise cutting action of the ultrasonic vibrations allows for minimal damage to the soft tissues, and less bleeding during the procedure.
- Orthognathic Surgery: Piezosurgery is used to precisely cut the facial bone, allowing for better movement and placement of the bone during orthognathic surgery.
Overall, piezosurgery has revolutionized the field of maxillofacial surgery, providing surgeons with a precise and safe method for bone surgery. It is now commonly used in a variety of procedures, resulting in better patient outcomes and fewer complications.