Effect of immobilized bone morphogenic protein 2 coating of titanium implants on peri-implant bone formation

The aim of the present study was to test the hypothesis that immobilization of bone morphogenic protein (BMP2) on the surface of titanium implants can enhance peri-implant bone formation. Ten adult female foxhounds received experimental titanium screw implants in the mandible 3 months after removal of all premolar teeth. Three types of implant surfaces were evaluated in each animal: (i) implants with machined titanium surface, (ii) implants coated with collagen I, (iii) implants coated with collagen I, chondroitin sulphate (CS) and BMP2. Peri-implant bone regeneration was assessed using histomorphometry after 1 and 3 months in five dogs each by measuring bone-implant contact (BIC) and the volume density of the newly formed peri-implant bone (BVD). After 1 month, there was no significant enhancement in BIC values but volume density of the newly formed peri-implant bone was significantly higher in the two groups of coated implants. No significant difference was found between collagen and BMP2 coating. After 3 months, BIC was significantly higher in both collagen and BMP2-coated implants compared with implants with machined surfaces. Peri-implant BVD was also significantly increased in coated implants in comparison with machined surfaces. It was concluded that collagen coating of dental screw implants can enhance BIC and peri-implant bone formation. Addition of BMP2 does not increase peri-implant bone formation in the present application.