Strontium Effects on Human Gingival Fibroblasts

Strontium is a naturally occurring alkaline earth metal that has been shown to be useful not only in the treatment and prevention of osteoporosis but also in the treatment of dentinal hypersensitivity in the oral cavity; strontium is also an effective cariostatic, antiplaque, antigingivitis agent. Relatively little is known, however, about the effects of strontium on gingival fibroblasts. The purpose of the present investigation was to conduct in vitro studies on the potential for strontium to positively affect the activity of these cells such that it might be effective in the enhancement of gingival attachment to surfaces, such as healing abutments in implants in the oral cavity. The results indicate that strontium added as strontium citrate (0.5-1.0 mM), both in the absence and presence of a healing abutment, increases human gingival cell activity and decreases apoptosis in these cells. Scanning electron microscopy studies also reveal that the addition of strontium increases attachment of gingival fibroblasts to the surfaces of healing abutments. These studies provide the basis for further investigations on the use of strontium in the prevention and treatment of peri-implantitis by maximizing the formation of a peri-implant soft-tissue barrier.