Enamel matrix derivative and titanium implants

The aim of present study was to evaluate if an enamel matrix derivative (Emdogain) may enhance bone formation and osseointegration of titanium implants, using a well-documented rabbit model.

Thirty-six threaded commercially pure titanium (cp.ti.) implants were inserted in six New Zealand white rabbits. One implant was placed in each femur and two in each tibia. Prior to implant insertion approximately 0.5 mL of Emdogain (EMD) (test) or the vehicle gel (PGA: propylene glycol alginate) (control) was injected into the surgically prepared implant site. The follow-up time was 6 weeks. Biomechanical evaluations by resonance frequency analysis (RFA) and removal torque measurements (RTQ) were performed. Histomorphometrical quantifications were made on ground sections by measurements of the percentage of bone-to-metal contact, bone area inside the threads as well as outside the threads (mirror image). Bone lengths along the implant surface were also measured and used for shear strength calculations.

The results demonstrated no beneficial effects from the EMD treatment on bone formation around titanium implants in any of the tested parameters. Significant differences were demonstrated with removal torque test and shear force calculations for the control implants. No other parameter demonstrated a statistically significant difference.

The results of the present study may indicate that EMD does not contribute to bone formation around titanium implants. This observation may indicate that the bone formation that occurs after EMD treatment in periodontal defects is the result of functional adaptation. However, further research is required to evaluate the effect of EMD treatment on bone formation.