Dentistry Today: Protein-coated Dental Implants

MCG: Protein-coated dental implants could improve bone regeneration

Titanium dental implants coated with proteins that induce bone formation may be a key advancement in treating tooth loss due to gum disease, researchers say.

In laboratory tests, Medical College of Georgia researchers applied a protein onto implants that directs endogenous stem cells to become bone-forming cells. The result was a nearly complete regeneration of lost tissue, says Dr. Ulf Wikesjö, a professor of periodontics in MCG’s School of Dentistry.

And hopefully complete and partial dentures will be relegated to dental museums.

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