Predictability Through Regenerative Biomaterials

For periodontist David Wong, DDS, the appeal of his specialty lies in its scope. “For me, the best part about being a periodontist is the broad range of solutions I get to provide from helping people save their teeth to helping people replace their teeth,” he says. That range—spanning regenerative procedures, implant therapy, and soft tissue management—has shaped both his clinical philosophy and the evolution of his practice at Route 66 Dental Implants and Periodontics in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Over more than two decades, he has built a reputation for clinical precision, interdisciplinary collaboration, and a strong emphasis on predictable outcomes.

That predictability, Dr. Wong explains, has been influenced by ongoing advancements in regenerative dentistry. “While the product lines keep getting longer and longer, the principles remain the same,” he says. “Now, we have more options to choose from depending on the type of problem we’re trying to solve.” In his experience, newer biomaterials have helped streamline treatment. He notes that recent innovations from BioHorizons have allowed him to be less invasive and more practical and efficient, particularly when it comes to graft stability and handling.

Material selection in regenerative procedures remains highly case-dependent. Dr. Wong emphasizes that defect morphology is often the primary driver of decision-making. Routine socket grafts may be managed with a wide range of materials, but larger or more complex defects require more deliberate planning, including consideration of graft composition, membrane characteristics, and, when appropriate, adjunctive biologics. Within that framework, he has incorporated a combination of membrane, bone graft, and soft tissue materials to address the full spectrum of clinical challenges.

When performing guided bone regeneration, Dr. Wong frequently uses Striate+™ as a barrier membrane. “Striate+ is excellent for clinicians of all skill levels,” he says. “It is a thin membrane with excellent handling characteristics that beginners will absolutely love as they master the art of suturing.” He highlights its forgiving nature and adaptability to defect morphology, noting that its non-crosslinked structure provides both flexibility and strength. “It is very forgiving and adapts well to bone defect sites,” he explains, adding that its “stretchiness” allows for a range of stabilization approaches, from sutures and tacks to, in some cases, no additional fixation.

From a clinical standpoint, ease of handling is a defining feature. Dr. Wong consistently prioritizes materials that simplify intraoperative workflow, particularly in challenging surgical environments. “The most important characteristic for me when it comes to membranes is its ease of handling,” he says. The membrane’s ability to conform closely to grafted sites and maintain position contributes to more efficient procedures and reliable outcomes, especially in cases where visibility and access may be limited.

For osseous reconstruction, Dr. Wong has found value in MinerOss® Flex, especially in defects requiring structural support. “MinerOss Flex has physical properties that serve a number of purposes, but my favorite is using it to reconstruct a missing facial or lingual plate,” he says. As a laminar cortical graft, the material is provided as a semi-rigid sheet that becomes flexible when hydrated, allowing it to be contoured while maintaining stability.

This combination of rigidity and adaptability is especially useful in anatomically challenging areas. “This is extremely helpful especially when rebuilding a lingual wall where we do not get much help from lingual flap advancement,” Dr. Wong explains. He also notes its effectiveness in facial plate reconstruction, where maintaining contour and space is critical. Unlike particulate grafts or traditional membranes, the laminar structure provides inherent stability. “The laminar sheet of bone offers rigidity and stability that you cannot get from traditional collagen membranes,” he says.

In more complex cases, where graft stability is essential for successful regeneration, Dr. Wong relies on this property to enhance confidence during healing. “If you need added bone graft stability and space maintenance, MinerOss Flex is my go-to for large, tricky defect sites. It ensures your graft does not move so you can rebuild bone in confidence.” By maintaining space and supporting graft containment, the material contributes to more predictable bone regeneration in demanding clinical scenarios.

Soft tissue management represents another critical component of comprehensive periodontal and implant therapy. For these indications, Dr. Wong has long relied on AlloDerm SELECT™ Regenerative Tissue Matrix. “First of all, I have been using AlloDerm for over 25 years, and it has been a consistently good and effective product for treating gingival recession and improving tissue thickness around teeth and implants,” he says.

Over time, he has observed both product evolution and consistent clinical performance. The current iteration offers practical advantages that streamline use in daily practice. “It comes prepackaged, ready-to-go. There is no need for refrigeration or hydration before use,” Dr. Wong notes. He also highlights the absence of antibiotic soaking, which eliminates concerns related to drug sensitivities. The availability of a thicker option further expands its clinical versatility for cases requiring additional tissue volume.

Beyond handling, Dr. Wong emphasizes patient-centered benefits. Compared with autogenous grafting, the use of an acellular dermal matrix reduces morbidity and improves the overall treatment experience. “Patients love it because compared to using their own mouth as a donor site, AlloDerm saves them immeasurable pain, recovery, and time,” he says. He also underscores its long-standing clinical validation. “AlloDerm is the product almost everyone thinks of when you mention a soft tissue allograft,” he adds, noting its extensive body of published research and widespread use across both dental and medical disciplines.

For Dr. Wong, predictability remains the defining characteristic. “It is a very predictable material,” he says. “If I had generalized receding gums, I’m absolutely choosing AlloDerm for myself. It is predictable, long-lasting, and looks natural.” These attributes make it a consistent choice for both localized and generalized recession defects, as well as for augmenting peri-implant soft tissue.

Across all three product categories— membranes, bone grafts, and soft tissue matrices—Dr. Wong views integration as the key to successful outcomes. Rather than relying on isolated materials, he approaches regenerative procedures as coordinated systems. “This is the best part about working with BioHorizons. Everything is under one roof,” he says. The ability to select from a comprehensive portfolio allows clinicians to tailor treatment strategies to specific defect types and patient needs. “There’s a seemingly infinite combination of products you can tailor to your patients to get the predictable outcomes you want,” he adds.

His long-standing relationship with the company has also influenced his perspective. “I have been a BioHorizons customer for over 25 years, first as a student and now in private practice,” Dr. Wong says. Over that time, he has observed a consistent organizational culture and a strong emphasis on clinician support. He also points to the company’s investment in research, development, and continuing education as meaningful differentiators. “They listen to their customers and constantly strive to improve,” he says, adding that local representatives play an active role in supporting practice efficiency and growth.

For clinicians seeking to incorporate regenerative techniques into their practices, Dr. Wong stresses the importance of education and deliberate implementation. “Find a reputable company like BioHorizons, and get trained,” he advises.

Ultimately, Dr. Wong’s approach reflects a balance between foundational principles and modern innovation. While the biological objectives of regeneration remain unchanged, advances in biomaterials have expanded the clinician’s ability to achieve them more efficiently and predictably. By combining thoughtful case selection with materials designed for handling, stability, and clinical performance, he continues to deliver outcomes that meet the highest standards of contemporary periodontal care.

Key Points

• Striate+™: A non-crosslinked collagen membrane designed for ease of handling and adaptability, supporting graft containment and guided bone regeneration across a range of defect types.
• MinerOss® Flex: A laminar cortical allograft that provides structural stability and space maintenance, particularly effective for reconstructing missing facial or lingual plates in complex defects.
• AlloDerm SELECT™: A widely studied acellular dermal matrix that enhances soft tissue thickness and root coverage while reducing patient morbidity compared with autogenous grafting.