Researchers at the MCG's School of Dentistry, in laboratory tests applied bone formation-inducing proteins into titanium dental implants and found complete regeneration of lost tissue.

Gum disease devastatingly results to loss of teeth and bone. This new finding is a key advancement in the treatment of tooth loss due to gum disease.
From Temple University (Philadelphia) to MCG this year, Dr. Ulf Wikesjö, head of the research team at MCG's School of Dentistry is researching wound-healing and tissue regeneration with a $1.4 million grant from Nobel Biocare, a leading manufacturer of dental implants and equipment.

"For the past 20 years, there has been a quest to regenerate tissues around teeth that are lost due to periodontal disease," he says. "I've looked at multiple approaches to achieve regeneration, including bone grafts, root conditioning and membrane devices for directed tissue growth, all resulting in some regeneration. Where we had to look was at the commonalities among these treatments."

The research narrowed down the treatment to the use of proteins called bone morpheonetic proteins that directed stem cells to become bone-forming cells. These proteins have already demonstrated potential as a regeneration therapy for craniofacial reconstruction.

However, the researchers emphasized that any regeneration requires two characteristics: a stable wound and space for the regenerated tissue to grow during the initial stages of healing.

The bone morpheonetic proteins were more beneficial when applied to implants and worked well into almost complete bone regeneration. The new bone bonded with the implant's surface and eventually into existing bone in the gums.

Such were the results of trial in animal models. Next step would be clinical trials of an implant coated with the proteins.

Source: MCG News