Enamel matrix derivative use seems promising in implant dentistry: Study

Enamel matrix derivative (Straumann Emdogain, Straumann USA LLC) is an extract of porcine fetal tooth material that can stimulate both soft and hard tissue growth. The material is applied to the denuded root surface and promotes healing via a connective tissue fibre attachment.

Enamel matrix derivative (EMD) has been successfully used for periodontal regeneration in intrabony defects. Recently, its use for peri-implant bone regeneration has also been hypothesized. The aim of this paper is to review preclinical and clinical studies investigating the use of Enamel matrix derivative (EMD) in correspondence with titanium implants, alone or as an adjunct to other biomaterials. Clinical trials and case series with more than five cases were included. Seven in vitro studies evaluated the effect of enamel matrix derivative (EMD), placed on titanium surfaces.

The results of the study are as follows:

• An increase in proliferation and viability of osteoblasts was observed in all but two studies.
• An increase in TGF-β1 and osteocalcin production, alkaline phosphatase activity, and angiogenesis were also reported.
• Nine animal studies investigated the use of Enamel matrix derivative (EMD) at implant placement or for bone regeneration of peri-implant bone defects, and some of them reported a significant increase in bone formation or bone-to-implant contact.
• In four of eleven clinical trials on humans, Enamel matrix derivative (EMD) was successfully used at implant placement. The other seven evaluated the use of Enamel matrix derivative (EMD) in protocols for the treatment of peri-implantitis.

Thus, the researchers concluded that the results of Enamel matrix derivative (EMD) seem promising, but further randomized clinical trials are needed to evaluate its efficacy.

Reference:

The Applications of Enamel Matrix Derivative in Implant Dentistry: A Narrative Review by Alice Alberti et al. published in the Materials

https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14113045