The effect of bone morphogenetic protein on osseointegration of titanium implants

This study evaluated the osteointegration of threaded cylindrical uncoated endosseous implants in combination with either bovine bone morphogenetic protein (bBMP) (group 1) or bovine serum albumin (BSA) (group 2) in edentulous dogs. Histologic observations showed that new bone formation was markedly increased by bBMP. The screw-surfaced implants in combination with bBMP exhibited apparent direct bone apposition 4 weeks postimplantation with no evidence of a connective tissue capsule. Thick fibrous connective tissue still encapsulated the control implants, although some new bone was observed slowly growing from the margins of the host bed. Eight weeks after implantation, there was an exact fit between the implant and the bone in group 1, and the surrounding bone was arranged in a regular manner. In group 2, there were still a few areas of thin fibrous tissue surrounding the implants. The results indicate that the rate of osteointegration was increased by bBMP.