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Updated: Jun 3, 2026

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Multi-Scale Modification of Metallic Implants With Pore Gradients, Polyelectrolytes and Their Indirect Monitoring In vivo
Published on: July 1, 2013
Soft tissue attachment to titanium implants coated with growth factors
Christopher Bates1, Victor Marino2, Nicola L Fazzalari3
1Periodontics postgraduate student, Colgate Australian Clinical Dental Research Centre, School of Dentistry, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia.
Clinical Implant Dentistry and Related Research
|March 26, 2011
Summary
Surface modification of dental implants with growth factors like platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and enamel matrix derivative (EMD) can enhance soft tissue healing and attachment, potentially improving implant survival.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Tissue Engineering
- Dental Implantology
Background:
- A robust connective tissue seal is crucial for dental implant success.
- Understanding factors influencing soft tissue integration is key to improving implant survival rates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of implant surface coatings with platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and enamel matrix derivative (EMD) on connective tissue attachment.
- To compare the histological soft tissue adaptation to modified and unmodified titanium implant surfaces.
Main Methods:
- Titanium implants were coated with PDGF or EMD, or left uncoated.
- Implants were surgically placed in rats and retrieved after 4 and 8 weeks for histological analysis.
- Soft tissue adaptation and connective tissue ingrowth into implant threads were assessed.
Main Results:
- Connective tissue ingrowth into implant threads was observed in all groups at both time points.
- PDGF coating showed increased connective tissue penetration depth at 4 weeks.
- PDGF coating resulted in reduced connective tissue thickness at 8 weeks.
Conclusions:
- Surface modification with rhPDGF-BB or EMD can accelerate and improve soft tissue healing around dental implants.
- These findings suggest a potential benefit for growth factor coatings in enhancing implant osseointegration and stability.

