Enamel matrix derivative in liquid form as adjunct to natural bovine bone grafting at buccal bone dehiscence defects at implant sites: An experimental study in beagle dogs.

Abstract

To evaluate the effect of enamel matrix derivative in liquid form (EMD-liquid) as adjunct to grafting with natural bovine bone (NBB), on new bone formation and osseointegration in buccal dehiscence defects at dental implants. In six beagles, 3months after extraction of the mandibular premolars and first molars. Three titanium implants (3.3Ø×8.0mm) were inserted, and dehiscence-type defects (mesiodistal width 3mm×5mm depth) were created on their buccal aspect. The defects were randomly assigned to one of the following three treatment groups: Group 1: NBB, Group 2: NBB/EMD-L, Group 3: Control. All sites were covered with a collagen membrane. Histomorphometric measurements were performed after 3months of healing. New bone area, bone-to-implant contact (BIC), and first BIC (fBIC) in the NBB and NBB/EMD-L groups were significantly greater than in the control group (p<.05). Further, f-BIC was at a significantly more coronal position in the NBB+EMD-liquid group (0.4±0.1mm) compared with the NBB group (1.2±0.2mm). Natural bovine bone grafting enhances bone regeneration and osseointegration at implants with buccal bone dehiscences compared with no grafting, and adjunct use of EMD-liquid appears to further enhance bone formation and osseointegration.