Functional Scaffolds for Bone Tissue Regeneration: A Comprehensive Review of Materials, Methods, and Future Directions.

Bone tissue regeneration is a rapidly evolving field aimed at the development of biocompatible materials and devices, such as scaffolds, to treat diseased and damaged osseous tissue. Functional scaffolds maintain structural integrity and provide mechanical support at the defect site during the healing process, while simultaneously enabling or improving regeneration through amplified cellular cues between the scaffold and native tissues. Ample research on functionalization has been conducted to improve scaffold-host tissue interaction, including fabrication techniques, biomaterial selection, scaffold surface modifications, integration of bioactive molecular additives, and post-processing modifications. Each of these methods plays a crucial role in enabling scaffolds to not only support but actively participate in the healing and regeneration process in bone and joint surgery. This review provides a state-of-the-art, comprehensive overview of the functionalization of scaffold-based strategies used in tissue engineering, specifically for bone regeneration. Critical issues and obstacles are highlighted, applications and advances are described, and future directions are identified.

Evaluation of the Peri-Implant Tissues of Patients with Severe Bone Atrophy Treated with a New Short and Extra-Short Implant System-A Pilot Study.

This study aimed to assess clinical and radiographic outcomes, including implant survival, marginal bone loss, and patient satisfaction, in individuals with severe bone atrophy treated using a newly developed system of short and extra-short implants. A total of 44 implants (37 short and 7 extra-short) were placed with immediate loading in 11 patients. The patients were followed up at between 6 and 24 months. Bone changes, keratinized mucosa, bleeding on probing, probing depth, crown-to-implant ratio, and patient satisfaction were evaluated. An implant survival and success rate of 100% was observed. The peri-implant bone condition showed no significant associations between marginal bone loss (MBL) and gingival recession. In extra-short implants, the crown-to-implant ratio did not affect MBL in the evaluated times. However, short implants showed a statistically significant inverse correlation between mesial measurement and crown-to-implant ratio (p = 0.006) and between distal measurement and crown-to-implant ratio (p = 0.004) over six months. Plaque was present in the mesiobuccal regions in 38.64% of the implants, with extra-short implants having the highest relative frequency (71.4%). Bleeding was observed in 18.9% of the short implants in the mesiolingual region and 14.3% of the extra-short implants. There was a statistically significant association between bleeding on probing in the mesiobuccal region and the type of implant (p = 0.026). The analysis of probing depth showed no difference between the types of implants. Within the limits of this study, short and extra-short implants presented similar clinical and radiographic behavior of soft and hard tissues in the evaluated times.

Assessing bone formation on hydrophilic and hydrophobic implant surfaces in a murine model treated with bisphosphonates.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the osseointegration of implants with hydrophobic (HFB) and hydrophilic (HFL) surfaces in a murine model of high-dose bisphosphonates (BPs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty-four rats were randomly allocated into four groups: control group with HFB implants (CG-HFB), control group with HFL implants (CG-HFL), BP group with HFB implants (BP-HFB), and BP group with HFL implants (BP-HFL). Animals were euthanized after 15 and 45 days (n=8). The dependent variables assessed were the removal torque (biomechanical analysis), the bone volume around the implants (%BV/TV) (microtomographic analysis), the bone-implant contact (%BIC), the bone between the threads (%BBT) (histomorphometric analysis), and the expression of bone metabolism markers (immunohistochemistry analysis). RESULTS: The CG-HFL and BP-HFL groups presented higher removal torque than the CG-HFB and BP-HFB implants. The %BIC of the CG-HFL surfaces was slightly higher than that of the CG-HFB implants. The BP-HFB and BP-HFL groups presented a higher %BIC than that of the CG-HFB and CG-HFL groups (p<0.001). BP therapy also increased the %BBT at both implant surfaces. Higher levels of ALP were observed in the matrix region of bone tissue on the HFL surfaces than on the HFB surfaces. CONCLUSION: Both surfaces enable osseointegration in rats under BP therapy. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The study demonstrates that hydrophobic (HFB) and hydrophilic (HFL) implant surfaces can promote osseointegration in rats undergoing bisphosphonate therapy. The HFL surfaces exhibited improved biomechanical performance, higher bone-implant contact, and increased bone volume, suggesting their potential clinical relevance for implant success in individuals on bisphosphonate treatment.

Influence of obesity on osseointegration of implants with different surface treatments: A preclinical study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of obesity on the osseointegration of implants with hydrophobic and hydrophilic surfaces. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty-four male rats were distributed among four experimental groups: H-HB (Healthy/Hydrophobic): healthy animals with hydrophobic implants; H-HL (Healthy/Hydrophilic): healthy animals with hydrophilic implants; O-HB (Obese/Hydrophobic): animals with induced obesity and hydrophobic implants; O-HL (Obese/Hydrophilic): animals with induced obesity and hydrophilic implants. One hundred and twenty-eight implants were installed in the tibiae of the animals bilaterally (64 on the left tibiae and 64 on the right one) after 75 days of a specific diet (standard or high-fat diet) and euthanasia was performed in the experimental periods of 15 and 45 days after implant placement. Bone formation was assessed by biomechanical analysis (on the left tibiae of each animal), and microtomographic and histomorphometric analyses (on the right tibiae of each animal). Statistical analysis was performed using the Shapiro-Wilk test for normality and ANOVA followed by Tukey test to observe whether there was a significant difference between groups (p < 0.05); the t-test was used to compare the animals' body weight. RESULTS: The biomechanical analysis showed an increase in the removal torque value of animals after 45 days in comparison to after 15 days, with the exception of O-HB groups. The microtomographic analysis demonstrated no significant differences in the mineralized bone tissue volume between the groups. In the histomorphometric analysis, the H-HL/45 day group/period demonstrated higher bone-implant contact, in comparison to H-HL/15 days and the O-HL/45 day group/period showed an increase in bone area between the implant threads, in comparison to O-HL/15 days. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, obesity does not interfere with the osseointegration of hydrophobic and hydrophilic implants.

Osseointegration of implants with superhydrophilic surfaces in rats with high serum levels of nicotine.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of nicotine administration on the osseointegration of a superhydrophilic implants surface on rat tibiae. Thirty-two rats were used and divided into 2 groups according to the administration or not of nicotine: HH - Installation of implants with superhydrophilic surfaces in healthy animals; and HN - Installation of implants with superhydrophilic surfaces in animals subjected to nicotine administration. The animals were euthanized 15 and 45 days after implant placement (n = 8). Osseointegration was assessed by means of biomechanical analyses (removal torque), microcomputed tomography (volume of bone around the implants- %BV/TV), and histomorphometry (bone-implant contact -%BIC and the bone area between implant threads -%BBT). The animals subject to the nicotine administration presented lower removal torque than the control animals at the 45-day period (21.88 ± 2.80 Ncm vs. 17.88 ± 2.10 Ncm). The implants placed in the control rats presented higher %BIC (54.26 ± 6.59% vs. 39.25 ± 4.46%) and %BBT (50.57 ± 5.28% vs. 32.25 ± 5.24%) than the implants placed in nicotine animals at 15-day period. The nicotine administration reduces the osseointegration at 15 days, however, the superhydrophilic surface equalized the osseointegration in nicotine-exposed animals compared with healthy animals after 45 days of implant placement.

Effects of red and infrared laser on post extraction socket repair in rats subjected to alendronate therapy.

This study evaluated the effect of photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) with a red or infrared laser on the repair of post extraction sockets in rats administered alendronate (ALN). Forty male rats were randomly allocated into four groups: Control Group (CTR): subcutaneous administration of saline solution throughout the experimental period; Alendronate Group (ALN): subcutaneous administration of alendronate during the entire experimental period; Alendronate/Red Laser Group (ALN/RL): administration of ALN and irradiation with a GaAlAs laser (λ 660 nm); and Alendronate/Infrared Laser Group (ALN/IRL): administration of ALN and irradiation with a GaAlAs laser (λ 830 nm). The first lower molars were extracted 60 days after the beginning of the administration of the drugs. The PBMT was applied after tooth extraction (7 sessions with intervals of 48 hours between sessions). Thirty days after tooth extraction, the animals were euthanized. Micro-CT and histometric analysis were performed to assess the bone healing and soft tissue repair of the tooth socket. The ALN group presented with more bone than the CTR; however, most of this bone was necrotic. ALN does not affect the bone microarchitecture. On the other hand, PBMT with IRL enhances the bone density due to the increase in the number and reduction in the spacing of the trabeculae. The amount of vital bone and connective tissue matrix was higher in the ALN/RL and ALN/IRL groups than in the ALN and CTR groups. PBMT enhanced the healing of the post extraction sockets in rats subjected to ALN administration. Furthermore, IRL improved the new bone microarchitecture.

Osseointegration of implants with superhydrophilic surfaces in rats with high serum levels of nicotine

Abstract This study aimed to evaluate the effect of nicotine administration on the osseointegration of a superhydrophilic implants surface on rat tibiae. Thirty-two rats were used and divided into 2 groups according to the administration or not of nicotine: HH - Installation of implants with superhydrophilic surfaces in healthy animals; and HN - Installation of implants with superhydrophilic surfaces in animals subjected to nicotine administration. The animals were euthanized 15 and 45 days after implant placement (n = 8). Osseointegration was assessed by means of biomechanical analyses (removal torque), microcomputed tomography (volume of bone around the implants- %BV/TV), and histomorphometry (bone-implant contact -%BIC and the bone area between implant threads -%BBT). The animals subject to the nicotine administration presented lower removal torque than the control animals at the 45-day period (21.88 ± 2.80 Ncm vs. 17.88 ± 2.10 Ncm). The implants placed in the control rats presented higher %BIC (54.26 ± 6.59% vs. 39.25 ± 4.46%) and %BBT (50.57 ± 5.28% vs. 32.25 ± 5.24%) than the implants placed in nicotine animals at 15-day period. The nicotine administration reduces the osseointegration at 15 days, however, the superhydrophilic surface equalized the osseointegration in nicotine-exposed animals compared with healthy animals after 45 days of implant placement.

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o efeito da administração de nicotina na osseointegração de implantes com superfície modificada por jateamento de oxidos e ataque ácido instalados em tíbia de ratos. Foram utilizados 32 ratos que foram divididos em 2 grupos de acordo com a administração ou não de nicotina: HH - Instalação de implantes com superfícies superhidrofílicas em animais sadios; e HN - Instalação de implantes com superfícies superhidrofílicas em animais submetidos à administração de nicotina. Os animais foram eutanasiados 15 e 45 dias após a colocação do implante (n = 8). A osseointegração foi avaliada por meio de análises biomecânicas (torque de remoção), microtomografia (volume de osso ao redor dos implantes - %BV/TV) e histomorfometrica (contato osso-implante -%BIC e área óssea entre roscas do implante -%BBT). Os animais submetidos à administração de nicotina apresentaram menor torque de remoção do que os animais controle no período de 45 dias (21,88 ± 2,80 Ncm vs. 17,88 ± 2,10 Ncm). Os implantes colocados nos ratos controle apresentaram maiores %BIC (54,26 ± 6,59% vs. 39,25 ± 4,46%) e %BBT (50,57 ± 5,28% vs. 32,25 ± 5,24%) do que os implantes colocados nos animais submetidos a administração de nicotina no período de 15 dias. A administração de nicotina prejudicou a osseointegração no período de 15 dias. Entretanto, a superfície superhidrofílica equalizou a osseointegração em animais expostos à nicotina em comparação com animais saudáveis após 45 dias da colocação do implante.

Effects of red and infrared laser on post extraction socket repair in rats subjected to alendronate therapy

Abstract This study evaluated the effect of photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) with a red or infrared laser on the repair of post extraction sockets in rats administered alendronate (ALN). Forty male rats were randomly allocated into four groups: Control Group (CTR): subcutaneous administration of saline solution throughout the experimental period; Alendronate Group (ALN): subcutaneous administration of alendronate during the entire experimental period; Alendronate/Red Laser Group (ALN/RL): administration of ALN and irradiation with a GaAlAs laser (λ 660 nm); and Alendronate/Infrared Laser Group (ALN/IRL): administration of ALN and irradiation with a GaAlAs laser (λ 830 nm). The first lower molars were extracted 60 days after the beginning of the administration of the drugs. The PBMT was applied after tooth extraction (7 sessions with intervals of 48 hours between sessions). Thirty days after tooth extraction, the animals were euthanized. Micro-CT and histometric analysis were performed to assess the bone healing and soft tissue repair of the tooth socket. The ALN group presented with more bone than the CTR; however, most of this bone was necrotic. ALN does not affect the bone microarchitecture. On the other hand, PBMT with IRL enhances the bone density due to the increase in the number and reduction in the spacing of the trabeculae. The amount of vital bone and connective tissue matrix was higher in the ALN/RL and ALN/IRL groups than in the ALN and CTR groups. PBMT enhanced the healing of the post extraction sockets in rats subjected to ALN administration. Furthermore, IRL improved the new bone microarchitecture.

Comparação de diferentes metodologias para análise histométrica de implantes: estudo em ratos / Comparison of different methodologies for histometric analysis of implant. Study in rat

Introdução: Diferentes metodologias tem sido utilizadas para avaliação histológica da osseointegração, levando a diferentes resultados. Objetivo: O objetivo é comparar diferentes metodologias de análise histomorfométrica da osseointegração de implantes com diferentes superfícies, instalados em tíbias de ratos. Material e método: 24 ratos foram aleatoriamente divididos em 3 grupos (n = 8) para a instalação dos implantes. Esses grupos foram divididos de acordo com o tipo de implante instalado na tíbia: Grupo Hidrofílico - HFL (instalação de implante com superfície modificada por jateamento de óxidos e ataque ácido e mantida em solução de cloreto de sódio), Grupo Hidrofóbico - HFB (instalação de implante com superfície modificada por jateamento de óxidos e ataque ácido) e Grupo Usinado - U (instalação de implante com superfície usinada). No período de 45 dias após os procedimentos cirúrgicos de instalação dos implantes, os animais foram submetidos à eutanásia, e as tíbias foram removidas, sendo realizado o processamento histológico para amostras não descalcificadas. Após a obtenção das lâminas, foi realizada a análise histomorfométrica para avaliar as porcentagens de contato osso-implante (% BIC) e da área óssea entre as espiras (% BBT). As mensurações foram realizadas em duas diferentes regiões: 1) as roscas do implante na região do osso cortical e 2) todas as roscas do implante inseridas no osso (cortical e medular). A análise estatística foi feita por meio de ANOVA One-Way, seguida pelo teste de Tukey para análise inferencial dos dados. Resultado: Quando o BIC e o BBT foram analisados de forma independente nas regiões cortical e trabecular/total, observou-se uma diferença no comportamento histológico dos implantes de acordo com o tratamento de superfície. Os implantes HFL apresentaram BIC (%) trabecular 16,85% maior (p = 0,02) do que os implantes HFB e 26,12% maior (p ≤ 0,0001) do que os implantes usinados. Contudo, a região cortical de todos os grupos apresentou valores de BIC cortical significativamente maiores ao redor dos implantes, independentemente da superfície. Conclusão: Os resultados obtidos demonstraram que a formação óssea peri-implantar foi superior nas análises realizadas apenas em osso cortical, se comparados aos valores obtidos na mensuração total (osso cortical somado ao medular). Também foi possível observar que, dentro da mesma superfície, os valores de BIC (%) foram superiores em osso cortical. Em relação às limitações do estudo, pode-se concluir que diferentes metodologias de análise histométrica da osseointegração ao redor de diferentes superfícies de implantes instalados em tíbias de ratos podem interferir nos resultados de osseointegração, independentemente da superfície analisada.

Introduction: Different methodologies were used for histological evaluation of osseointegration, leading to different results. Objective: The objective is to compare different methodologies for histomorphometric analysis of the osseointegration of implants with different surfaces, installed in rat tibias. Material and method: Twenty-four rats were randomly divided into 3 groups (n=8) for implant installation. These groups were divided according to the type of implant that will be installed in the tibia: Hydrophilic Group (installation of an implant with a surface modified by oxide blasting and acid attack and maintained in a sodium chloride solution), Hydrophobic Group (installation of an implant with surface modified by oxide blasting and acid attack) and Machined Group (implant installation with machined surface). Within 45 days after the surgical procedures to install the implants, the animals were euthanized and the tibias were removed, and histological processing was carried out for non-decalcified samples. After obtaining the slides, histomorphometric analysis was performed to evaluate the percentages of bone-implant contact (%BIC) and the bone area between the turns (%BBT). Measurements were carried out in two different regions: 1) the implant threads in the cortical bone region and 2) all implant threads inserted into the bone (cortical and medullary). Statistical analysis was performed using One-Way ANOVA followed by Tukey's test for inferential data analysis. Result: The BIC and BBT were analyzed independently in the cortical and trabecular/total regions, a difference was observed in the histological behavior of the implants according to the surface treatment. HFL implants showed trabecular BIC (%) 16.85% higher (p=0.02) than HFB implants and 26.12% higher (p≤0.0001) than machined implants. However, the cortical region of all groups showed significantly higher cortical BIC values around the implants, regardless of the surface. Conclusion: the results obtained demonstrated that peri-implant bone formation was superior in analyzes carried out only on cortical bone, compared to the values obtained in the total measurement (cortical bone plus medullary bone). It was also possible to observe that, even within the same surface, the BIC(%) values were higher in cortical bone. Within the limitations of the study, it can be concluded that different methodologies for histometric analysis of osseointegration around different surfaces of implants installed in rat tibias can interfere with the results of osseointegration regardless of the surface analyzed

Implants with hydrophilic surfaces equalize the osseointegration of implants in normo- and hyperglycaemic rats.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of a surface modified by blasting and acid attack and maintained in an isotonic solution compared to a machined surface on osseointegration in normo- and hyperglycaemic animals. Sixty-four animals were allocated into 4 groups with 16 animals each, and they were subdivided into two experimental periods (15 and 45 days), with 8 animals in each group. The groups were divided according to the type of implant that was installed in the animals' tibia and the animals' systemic condition: CM - Machined implants placed in Healthy animals; CH - Hydrophilic implants placed in Healthy animals, HM - Machined implants placed in animals with hyperglycaemia; HH- Hydrophilic implants installed in animals with hyperglycaemia. The following analyses were performed: biomechanical (removal torque), microtomographic (evaluation of the bone volume around the implants- BV/TV), and histomorphometric (evaluation of bone-implant contact BIC% and of the bone formation area between the threads BBT%). It was found that the implants with hydrophilic surfaces presented higher removal torques and quantities of BV/TV% and higher BIC% and BBT% values in normo- and hyperglycaemic animals. The results of this study indicated that the hydrophilic surface accelerates the osseointegration process (~ 15% BIC/BBT at 15-day period), especially in animals with hyperglycaemia. The hydrophilic surface equaled the osseointegration between normo- and hyperglycaemic animals, reversing the negative potential of hyperglycaemia on the osseointegration process.

Implants with hydrophilic surfaces equalize the osseointegration of implants in normo- and hyperglycaemic rats

Abstract The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of a surface modified by blasting and acid attack and maintained in an isotonic solution compared to a machined surface on osseointegration in normo- and hyperglycaemic animals. Sixty-four animals were allocated into 4 groups with 16 animals each, and they were subdivided into two experimental periods (15 and 45 days), with 8 animals in each group. The groups were divided according to the type of implant that was installed in the animals' tibia and the animals' systemic condition: CM - Machined implants placed in Healthy animals; CH - Hydrophilic implants placed in Healthy animals, HM - Machined implants placed in animals with hyperglycaemia; HH- Hydrophilic implants installed in animals with hyperglycaemia. The following analyses were performed: biomechanical (removal torque), microtomographic (evaluation of the bone volume around the implants- BV/TV), and histomorphometric (evaluation of bone-implant contact BIC% and of the bone formation area between the threads BBT%). It was found that the implants with hydrophilic surfaces presented higher removal torques and quantities of BV/TV% and higher BIC% and BBT% values in normo- and hyperglycaemic animals. The results of this study indicated that the hydrophilic surface accelerates the osseointegration process (~ 15% BIC/BBT at 15-day period), especially in animals with hyperglycaemia. The hydrophilic surface equaled the osseointegration between normo- and hyperglycaemic animals, reversing the negative potential of hyperglycaemia on the osseointegration process.

Resumo O objetivo deste foi o de avaliar o efeito de uma superfície modificada por jateamento e ataque ácido e mantida em solução isotônica em comparação a uma superfície lisa sobre a osseointegração de implantes em animais hiperglicêmicos. No estudo foram utilizados 64 ratos, que foram divididos em 4 grupos com 16 animais em cada, e que foram avaliados em dois períodos experimentais (15 e 45 dias), com 8 animais em cada grupo. Os grupos foram divididos de acordo com o tipo de implante que foi instalado na tíbia dos animais e a condição sistêmica dos mesmos: Grupo CM - Implantes maquinados instalados em animais saudáveis; Grupo CH - Implantes maquinados instalados em animais com hiperglicemia; Grupo HM - Implantes hidrofílicos instalados em animais saudáveis, Grupo HH- Implantes hidrofílicos instalados em animais com hiperglicemia. Foram realizadas análises: biomecânicas (contra torque de remoção dos implantes), histométricas (avaliação do contato do osso com os implantes e da área de formação óssea entre as roscas) e microtomográfica (avaliação da área óssea ao redor dos implantes). Foi verificado que os implantes com superfície hidrofílica apresentaram maiores torques de remoção, quantidade de osso ao redor dos implantes e maiores valores de %BIC e %BBT em animais normo e hiperglicêmicos. Conclui-se que a superfície hidrofílica acelera o processo de osseointegração (~15% de %BIC/%BBT aos 15 dias), especialmente em animais com hiperglicêmicos. A superfície hidrofílica igualou a osseointegração entre animais normo- e hiperglicêmicos, revertendo o potencial negativo da hiperglicemia no processo de osseointegração.

Dexamethasone-Loaded Ureasil Hydrophobic Membrane for Bone Guided Regeneration.

Physical barrier membranes have been used to release active substances to treat critical bone defects; however, hydrophilic membranes do not present a prolonged release capacity. In this sense, hydrophobic membranes have been tested. Thus, this study aimed to develop hydrophobic membranes based on mixtures of ureasil-polyether-type materials containing incorporated dexamethasone (DMA) for the application in guided bone regeneration. The physicochemical characterization and biological assays were carried out using small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), an in vitro DMA release study, atomic force microscopy (AFM), a hemolysis test, and in vivo bone formation. The swelling degree, SAXS, and release results revealed that the u-PPO400/2000 membrane in the proportion of 70:30 showed swelling (4.69% ± 0.22) similar to the proportions 90:10 and 80:20, and lower than the proportion 60:40 (6.38% ± 0.49); however, an equal release percentage after 134 h was observed between the proportions 70:30 and 60:40. All u-PPO materials presented hemocompatibility (hemolysis ≤2.8%). AFM results showed that the treatments with or without DMA did not present significant differences, revealing a flat/smooth surface, with no pores and/or crystalline precipitates. Finally, in vivo results revealed that for both the commercial hydrophilic membrane and u-PPO400/2000 (70:30) after 60 days, the bone formation volume was 21%. In conclusion, hybrid membranes present unique characteristics for treating critical bone defects, considering the delayed and prolonged release results associated with the physical barrier capacity.

Comparison of the osseointegration of implants placed in areas grafted with HA/TCP and native bone.

This study evaluated the osseointegration of implants in areas grafted with biphasic ceramic based on hydroxyapatite/ß-tricalcium phosphate (HA/TCP) and in native bone (NB). Twenty-eight rats were randomly assigned into two groups of 14 animals each: HA/TCP group: implants installed in areas grafted with HA/TCP and NB group: implants installed in areas of native bone. Bone defects were made in both tibiae of the rats belonging to the HA/TCP group and then filled with this bone substitute. After 60 days, the rats were submitted to surgical procedures for implant placement in grafted areas in both tibiae in the HA/TCP group while the implants were installed directly in native bone in the NB group. The animals were euthanized 15 and 45 days, respectively, after the implant placement. Biomechanical (removal torque), microtomographic (volume of mineralized tissues around the implants), and histomorphometric (Bone-Implant contact-%BIC and bone area between the implant threads-%BBT) analyzes were conducted to assess the osseointegration process. The HA/TCP group showed lower values of removal torque, volume of mineralized tissue around the implants, lower %BIC, and %BBT compared to the NB group in both experimental periods. Osseointegration of implants placed in grafted areas with HA/TCP was lower compared to the osseointegration observed in native bone areas. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: The areas grated with HA/TCP presented poor biological conditions. The reduced biological properties for bone formation impaired the osseointegration in HA/TCP grafted areas.

Comparison of osseointegration in areas grafted with different osteoconductive biomaterials. Preclinical study.

This study evaluated osseointegration in areas grafted with deproteinized bovine bone (DBB) and biphasic ceramic based on hydroxyapatite and beta-tricalcium phosphate (HA/TCP) in rat tibias. Noncritical bone defects were made in the tibias of 28 rats that were randomly assigned to 2 groups: DBB: DBB-filled defects and HA/TCP: HA/TCP-filled defects. Bone defects were made in the tibias bilaterally and filled with biomaterials. After 60 days, the implants were inserted, and the animals were euthanized 15 and 45 days after the implants were installed. Osseointegration was evaluated by biomechanical, microtomographic and histometric analysis. Implants installed in the defects filled with DBB presented higher removal torque forces (2.33 ± 0.51 Ncm vs. 1.50 ± 0.54 Ncm) and mineralized tissue volume around implants at 15 days (34.96 ± 3.68 % vs. 25.61 ± 2.95 %) and greater bone-implant contact (20.87 ± 8.28 % vs. 11.52 ± 7.42 %) and bone area within implant threads (26.83 ± 12.35 % vs. 11.98 ± 7.56 %) at 45 days compared to the measurements of implants in areas grafted with HA/TCP. Implants installed in defects in areas grafted with DBB had a better osseointegration pattern than implants placed in defects in areas grafted with HA/TCP.

Comparison of osseointegration in areas grafted with different osteoconductive biomaterials. Preclinical study

Abstract This study evaluated osseointegration in areas grafted with deproteinized bovine bone (DBB) and biphasic ceramic based on hydroxyapatite and beta-tricalcium phosphate (HA/TCP) in rat tibias. Noncritical bone defects were made in the tibias of 28 rats that were randomly assigned to 2 groups: DBB: DBB-filled defects and HA/TCP: HA/TCP-filled defects. Bone defects were made in the tibias bilaterally and filled with biomaterials. After 60 days, the implants were inserted, and the animals were euthanized 15 and 45 days after the implants were installed. Osseointegration was evaluated by biomechanical, microtomographic and histometric analysis. Implants installed in the defects filled with DBB presented higher removal torque forces (2.33 ± 0.51 Ncm vs. 1.50 ± 0.54 Ncm) and mineralized tissue volume around implants at 15 days (34.96 ± 3.68 % vs. 25.61 ± 2.95 %) and greater bone-implant contact (20.87 ± 8.28 % vs. 11.52 ± 7.42 %) and bone area within implant threads (26.83 ± 12.35 % vs. 11.98 ± 7.56 %) at 45 days compared to the measurements of implants in areas grafted with HA/TCP. Implants installed in defects in areas grafted with DBB had a better osseointegration pattern than implants placed in defects in areas grafted with HA/TCP.

Resumo Este estudo avaliou a osseointegração em áreas enxertadas com osso bovino desproteinizado (DBB) e cerâmica bifásica à base de hidroxiapatita e beta-fosfato tricálcico (HA / TCP) em tíbias de ratos. Defeitos ósseos não críticos foram feitos nas tíbias de 28 ratos que foram divididos aleatoriamente em 2 grupos: DBB: defeitos preenchidos com DBB e HA / TCP: defeitos preenchidos com HA / TCP. Defeitos ósseos foram confeccionados nas tíbias bilateralmente e preenchidos com biomateriais. Após 60 dias, os implantes foram instalados e os animais sacrificados 15 e 45 dias após a instalação dos implantes. A osseointegração foi avaliada por análises biomecânica, microtomográfica e histométrica. Os implantes instalados nos defeitos preenchidos com DBB apresentaram maiores forças de torque de remoção (2,33 ± 0,51 Ncm vs. 1,50 ± 0,54 Ncm) e volume de tecido mineralizado ao redor dos implantes aos 15 dias (34,96 ± 3,68% vs. 25,61 ± 2,95%) e maior contato osso-implante (20,87 ± 8,28% vs. 11,52 ± 7,42%) e área de osso dentro das roscas do implante (26,83 ± 12,35% vs. 11,98 ± 7,56%) no período de 45 dias em comparação com os implantes em áreas enxertadas com HA / TCP. Implantes instalados em áreas enxertadas com DBB apresentaram melhor padrão de osseointegração do que implantes colocados em áreas enxertadas com HA / TCP.

Strontium ranelate improves post-extraction socket healing in rats submitted to the administration of bisphosphonates.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of strontium ranelate (Sr) on post-extraction socket healing in rats submitted to the administration of bisphosphonates. Sixty rats were submitted to the tooth extraction of the first lower molar after 60 days of the daily administration of saline solution (SS) or alendronate (ALN). Then, the animals were allocated into six groups namely CTR: administration of SS during the whole experiment, ALN: administration of ALN during the whole experiment, ALN/SS: application of SS for 30 days after extraction in animals previously treated with ALN, ALN/Sr: application of Sr for 30 days after extraction in animals previously treated with ALN, ALN/S60: ALN therapy interruption 30 days before the extraction followed by the application of SS for 60 days, and ALN/Sr60: ALN therapy interruption 30 days before the tooth extraction followed by the application of Sr for 60 days. The healing of the post-extraction sockets was evaluated by microCT and histomorphometry. The use of ALN induced partial bone necrosis, inflammatory infiltration, and a delay in soft tissue healing; the use of Sr improved the connective tissue organization. Sr has subtle positive effects on the post-extraction healing in animals submitted to the administration of bisphosphonate.

Avaliação da perda óssea utilizando diferentes parâmetros na análise microtomográfica: estudo em ratos / Bone loss assessment using different parameters in the microtomographic analysis: study in rats

Introdução: o desafio no uso do Micro-Ct tem sido estabelecer e padronizar padrões adequados para escaneamento e tratamento das imagens, para que se obtenha o máximo desempenho do equipamento, e permitir a comparação dos achados entre diferentes estudos. Objetivo: o presente estudo tem como objetivo comparar a porcentagem de volume ósseo em regiões com perda óssea periodontal utilizando diferentes metodologias para definição da área a ser analisada (ROI). Material e método: dez ratos foram submetidos à indução de doença periodontal, e, após a eutanásia, as mandíbulas foram escaneadas com cortes de 9 µ e 18 µm de espessura, com passo de rotação de 0.3mm. As imagens foram reconstituídas utilizando o software NRecon, e em seguida, utilizando o software CTAnalyser - CTAn, foram definidas as áreas de interesse (ROI) ao redor dos segundos molares. A primeira área de interesse (ROI1) foi definida em um padrão retangular que se restringiu às regiões interproximais e furca, onde a área total de tecido ósseo foi obtida somando os resultados dos 3 ROIs. A segunda área (ROI2) foi definida no sentido corono/apical ao redor do segundo molar até suas limitações proximais com os dentes vizinhos, onde a porcentagem de tecido ósseo pertencente às raízes foram excluídas das avaliações. As análises foram realizadas com cinco diferentes valores de thresholds (130-50, 130-60, 130-70, 130-80, 130-90 e 130-100). Resultado: a análise entre os diferentes ROIs demonstrou que em ambas as análises foi observada a tendência a menor porcentagem de tecido ósseo quanto maior o contraste de tons de cinza utilizado, no entanto, nos resultados obtidos no ROI2 essa diferença não foi estatisticamente significante. Conclusão: com os resultados obtidos pode se concluir que a utilização de diferentes thresholds para quantificação óssea, em áreas onde houve doença periodontal, pode trazer resultados divergentes; a definição da área de interesse interfere com os resultados obtidos e que a obtenção de uma área de interesse com a remoção das raízes mostrou-se menos susceptível à variação dos parâmetros de escaneamento.

Introduction: the challenge in the use of Micro-Ct has been to establish and standardize adequate standards for scanning and image processing to obtain the maximum performance of the equipment and to allow the comparison of findings between different studies. Objective: this study aims to compare the percentage of bone volume in regions with periodontal bone loss using different methodologies to define the area to be analysed (ROI). Material and method: ten rats were submitted to periodontal disease induction, and, after euthanasia, the mandibles were scanned with slices of 9µ and 18 µm thickness, with a rotation step of 0.3mm. The images were reconstructed using the NRecon software, and then, using the CTAnalyser - CTAn software, the areas of interest (ROI) around the second molars were defined. The first area of interest (ROI1) was defined in a rectangular pattern that was restricted to the interproximal and furcation regions, where the total area of bone tissue was obtained by adding the results of the 3 ROIs. The second area (ROI2) was defined in the coronal/apical direction around the second molar to its proximal limitations with the neighboring teeth, in which the percentage of bone tissue belonging to the roots was excluded from the evaluations. Analyses were performed with five different threshold values (130-50, 130-60, 130-70, 130-80, 130-90, and 130-100). Result: the analysis between the different ROIs showed that, in both analyses, there was a tendency towards a lower percentage of bone tissue the greater the grayscale contrast used. However, in the results obtained in ROI2, this difference was not statistically significant. Conclusion: with the results obtained, it can be concluded that the use of different thresholds for bone quantification, in areas where there was a periodontal disease, can bring divergent results; the definition of the area of ​​interest interferes with the results obtained; and that obtaining an area of interest with the removal of the roots, proved to be less susceptible to the variation of the scanning parameters.

LASER in periodontal treatment: is it an effective treatment or science fiction?

There are several studies that evaluate the use of lasers in periodontal treatment in non-surgical or surgical therapy. However, while several studies showed clinically beneficial effects of some lasers in periodontal treatment, there are few clinical reports of additional advantages of lasers as adjunctive treatments in periodontology. The aim of this paper is to demonstrate and critically analyze the level of scientific evidence of effects of low-level lasers and high-power lasers in periodontology. A narrative review of the studies was carried out in each topic and type of laser or periodontal treatment. In nonsurgical periodontal therapy the results showed that there is an additional clinical benefit when using a diode laser (DL) associated with scaling and root planing (SRP) in patients with moderate to severe periodontitis. The Er:YAG laser seems to be the most suitable for nonsurgical periodontal therapy and promotes the same clinical effects as conventional therapy. In periodontal surgery vaporization of the gingival or mucosal tissue can be carried out with DL, CO2, Nd:YAG, Er:YAG and Er,Cr:YSGG lasers. Photobiomodulation (PBM), mediated by low-level lasers associated with non-surgical periodontal therapy, promotes additional benefits in the short term and accelerates the bone and gingival tissue repair process and also reduces postoperative symptoms of periodontal surgery. The effect of antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy is relevant in the initial reevaluation periods. Studies have shown controversial results of the use of lasers in periodontics, and this fact may be due to the lack of standard parameters of irradiation in each clinical application.

In vivo effectiveness of hybrid membranes with osteogenic growth peptide for bone regeneration.

Guided bone regeneration (GBR) technique helps to restore bone tissue through cellular selectivity principle. Currently no osteoinductive membrane exists on the market. Osteogenic growth peptide (OGP) acts as a hematopoietic stimulator. This association could improve the quality of bone formation, benefiting more than 2.2 million patients annually. The objective of this work was to develop membranes from ureasil-polyether materials containing OGP. The membranes were characterized by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). OGP was synthesized by the solid phase method. Sterilization results using gamma radiation at 24 kGy did not change the structure of the material, as confirmed by DSC. The SAXS technique revealed the structural homogeneity of the matrix. OGP was incorporated in 66.25 × 10-10  mol and release results showed that the ureasil-PPO400/PEO500 and ureasil-PPO400/PEO1900 membranes released 7% and 21%, respectively, after 48 h. In vivo results demonstrated that the amount and quality of bone tissue formed in the bone defects in the presence of ureasil-polyether membranes with OGP were similar to commercial collagen material with BMP. The results allow us to conclude that membranes with OGP have characteristics that make them potential candidates for the GBR.

Effect of different low-level intensity laser therapy (LLLT) irradiation protocols on the osseointegration of implants placed in grafted areas.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of different protocols of low-level intensity laser therapy (LLLT) irradiation on the osseointegration of implants placed in grafted areas. METHODOLOGY: 84 rats were randomly allocated into six groups: DBB: defect filled with deproteinized bovine bone; HA/TCP: defect filled with biphasic ceramic of hydroxyapatite/ß-tricalcium phosphate ; DBB-LI: defect filled with DBB and treated with LLLT after implant placement; HA/TCP-LI: defect filled with HA/TCP and treated with LLLT after implant placement; DBB-LIB: defect filled with DBB and treated with LLLT after graft procedure and implant placement; and HA/TCP-LIB: defect filled HA/TCP and treated with LLLT after graft procedure and implant placement. The bone defects were made in the tibia and they were grafted. After 60 days, the implants were placed. The rats were subsequently subjected to euthanasia 15 and 45 days after implant placement. The pattern of osseointegration and bone repair in the grafted area was evaluated by biomechanical, microtomographic, and histometric analyses. Furthermore, the expression of bone biomarker proteins was assessed. RESULTS: The LLLT groups presented higher removal torque, mineralized tissue volume, and a greater degree of osseointegration, especially when LLLT was performed only after implant placement, and these findings were associated with higher expression of BMP2 and alkaline phosphatase. CONCLUSION: LLLT performed on implants placed in grafted areas enhances the osseointegration process.