Research improves implant connection via enhanced bone tissue regeneration

A joint research program by Seoul National University and Harvard School of Dental Medicine has developed a method to promote bone tissue regeneration that helps connect implants and gingival bones.

Led by (pictured) Prof Young Dan Cho (Department of Periodontology, Seoul National University Dental Hospital) and Prof William V. Giannobile (Dean of Harvard School of Dental Medicine) the joint research focused on the improvement of bone regeneration using the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) gene fixation technique on the surface of dental implants to dramatically reduce implant treatment time.

The results that suggest the new method can significantly shorten implant treatment period through clinical application were published in the international academic journal, Advanced Materials Interfaces.

Existing treatment methods using BMP (bone morphogenetic protein) to make the implant adhere well to the gum bone are commercially available in the form of protein. A method using the BMP gene has also been developed to provide a stable supply of BMP and to enhance the effect. If the gene applied to the surgical site is not fixed, it flows along the blood to other tissues, causing serious problems in bone formation.

The research team jointly conducted experiments in cell experiments and mouse implant models by fixing the BMP7 gene on the titanium implant surface using CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition) technology.

It was verified that the BMP7 protein was stably produced on the surface of the BMP7 gene-coated titanium. It was further confirmed that the differentiation of osteoblasts was enhanced and the bone regeneration ability was increased.

“It takes at least three months for bones to stably attach to the surface of titanium SLA (sandblasted, large grit, acid-etched), which is currently most used,” said Prof Cho.

“Through application, it will be possible to reduce the discomfort of patients by shortening the period without teeth, and furthermore, the BMP gene fixation method can be applied to bone graft materials.”

The research was carried out with support from the National Institutes of Health and the Swiss Osteology Research Foundation.