CHANGING THE RULES OF THE GAME: GROUNDBREAKING ISRAELI DENTAL IMPLANT TECHNOLOGY

Did you know? A critical factor in the success of dental implant procedures is enough jawbone to support the implanted tooth.
In many cases, especially after prolonged tooth loss, chronic inflammation or gum disease, the bone deteriorates and is reabsorbed. This makes it difficult and sometimes impossible to insert any type of implant.

This is where bone augmentation comes in — an advanced medical procedure designed to reconstruct and regenerate lost bone, providing a stable foundation for implant placement. It is a cornerstone of modern dental implant planning, allowing high-quality solutions even for patients once considered unsuitable candidates.

Dr. Amos Yahav, a renowned dentist with over 30 years of experience who had a clinic specializing in bone augmentation and dental restoration, underscores the importance of this advance. "Until a few decades ago, removable dentures were the only option for people who lost their teeth. The introduction of implants marked a major improvement, but unfortunately not for everyone. A large number of patients simply don't have enough bone in the oral cavity to support implants. An implant is essentially a screw inserted into existing bone. If no bone exists, implantation isn't possible."

Methods were developed to address this. "For years, we've relied on conventional techniques using bone harvested from humans, cadavers or animals, or on synthetic materials, often in the form of granules or blocks," says Dr. Yahav. "They serve as a sort of 'scaffold' to support new bone growth. Over time, the body integrates these materials, creating new bone or bone-like structures capable of supporting implants, even in complex cases."

These methods, however, have limitations. Most current augmentation techniques are outdated, largely because creating new technologies requires heavy investment, and the medical industry tends to be conservative.

"As someone deeply familiar with these challenges, I struggled to accept the old methods, which are often complex, aggressive, invasive and cause pain, swelling and more," says Dr. Yahav.

Something New Begins
With no satisfactory solution, Dr. Yahav embarked on an intensive 15-year search to develop a more effective bone-grafting technology, one that would simplify the process and improve outcomes for both doctors and patients.

"Most companies working in bone augmentation offer similar solutions — bone granules and blocks, requiring invasive surgeries and extensive gum lifting," he notes. "I knew there had to be a better way."

His years-long R&D eventually paid off. Dr. Yahav achieved a breakthrough with a biphasic (two-phase) calcium sulfate-based cement, a next-generation mineral material used primarily in dental and orthopedic procedures. The cement supports healing and accelerates bone formation, all through minimally invasive surgical techniques.

"It's crucial to preserve the chemical structure of this material so that it instantly hardens on contact with blood or saliva, functioning like real cement," he explains. "Think of it this way: I want to build a cement bridge underwater but I can't because of the liquid environment. If, however, I find a material that immediately hardens under the water, I've solved my problem. That's what we achieved in the oral cavity. Our cement hardens quickly, eliminates the need for membranes, inhibits bacterial growth and significantly reduces risk of infection."

A Breakthrough from Israel
Dr. Yahav's breakthrough bone augmentation technology is a game-changer. Protected by patent, it led to the founding of Augma Biomaterials, a cutting-edge company which combines advanced R&D with clinical expertise. Focused on enhancing the experience for both dentist and patient, it has become a leading player in dental and bone implants.

Augma is headquartered in Caesarea, operates subsidiaries in the UK and USA, maintains a broad marketing presence across Europe and Australia, and is in other regions worldwide. It distributes both directly and through global partners to a customer base that includes dentists, periodontists, and oral and maxillofacial surgeons. It already has tens of thousands of customers globally, and their numbers grow rapidly each year.

The company's international recognition was assured in 2019, when it received the prestigious Edison Innovation Award for groundbreaking contributions to its field.

Looking Ahead
Augma Biomaterials continues to expand its technology, offering access and a range of educational opportunities to dental professionals in Israel and around the world. It runs training courses, both in-person or online via the company's website, which are part of a comprehensive educational program that includes clinical case studies and up-to-date medical literature.

"Dentists who adopt our technology gain a real competitive advantage," concludes Dr. Yahav. "It not only simplifies their work but also significantly enhances the quality of their care and the patient experience."

In collaboration with Augma Biomaterials

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