In a recent study, a new drug coating thought to provide a better and faster adherence between titanium type implants and the underlying bone was used on implants delivered to human subjects. The study took place at Linköping University in Sweden, and its results appear online on the journal: Bone.
The new drug coating means that there may be new options for patients with chewing problems after using titanium implants. Many patients currently receive dental implants, which become integrated into the bone and offer retention for artificial teeth. However, following implant placement, many patients experience chewing difficulty. The currently-used treatment approach for this problem takes between 4-6 months to allow the bone around the implant to fully heal and integrate before the patient receives additional surgery. If integration can be speeded up it allows for quicker restoration of the dentition and improved chewing.
The new drug coating includes a nanometre-thin layer of protein which adheres to the metal surface of the titanium implant. Incorporated with this protein base is a bisphosphonate drug which is typically used for treating osteoporosis.
The drug coating used in this study was applied for the first time to human implant subjects. The Swedish study involved 16 patients with each needing two implants. One of the implants was standard in nature while the other had its surface coated with the new solution. Patients and dental surgeons did not know which implant was being placed.
After six months follow up, subsequent evaluation revealed that 15 of the 16 patients had better connection between the bone and the implant with the new drug coating. Per Aspenberg, Professor of Orthopaedics, study lead author, said “It is the first time ever anyone has succeeded in reinforcing the bone around an implant with localized medication,” Professor Aspenberg is the professional who suggested using bisphosphonates in this manner along with the implant.
