Advances in Bone Regeneration and Dental Implant Therapies: Innovations, Technologies, and Biomaterials

A special issue of Biomimetics (ISSN 2313-7673). This special issue belongs to the section "Biomimetics of Materials and Structures".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 October 2024) | Viewed by 6935

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Department of Oral Medicine, Infection, and Immunity, Division of Periodontology, Harvard School of Dental Medicine, Boston, MA 02115, USA
Interests: tissue regeneration; bone regeneration, growth-factor; dental implant; periodontal disease; peri-implantitis
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Oral Medicine, Infection, and Immunity, Division of Periodontology, Harvard School of Dental Medicine, Boston, MA 02115, USA
Interests: periodontal therapy; implant therapy; tissue regeneration; bone regeneration; biomaterials
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Dental implant therapy has been a remarkable success story in dentistry, offering patients an esthetic and functionally satisfying solution for tooth replacement. However, the field continues to encounter significant challenges, particularly in cases of inadequate bone volume, which is essential for the successful placement and integration of dental implants. This issue becomes even more pressing with an aging population and patients with co-morbidities, where the demand for implant therapy is increasing, but so are the complexities of treatment.

In this Special Issue, we aim to highlight the advances in biomaterials that are driving forward the field of bone regeneration. Innovations in this area are critical for enhancing bone healing and integration, thereby improving the outcomes of dental implant therapies. Furthermore, we will explore the latest technologies and innovations in implant surfaces and implant–abutment connection interfaces that play a crucial role in the success of implant osseointegration and long-term maintenance.

We invite submissions that cover a range of topics, including, but not limited to, new biomaterials for bone regeneration, advances in implant surface technologies, clinical outcomes of innovative implant therapies, and the impact of systemic factors on implant success. Our goal is to provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of the art and to highlight the future directions in this rapidly evolving field.

We look forward to your contributions to this Special Issue and to the opportunity to collaborate with you in advancing our understanding and practice in the field of bone regeneration and dental implant therapies.

Dr. David Minjoon Kim
Dr. Chia-Yu Chen
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • dental implant therapy
  • ridge augmentation
  • bone regeneration
  • biomaterials
  • implant surface
  • 3D printing
  • hydrophilicity
  • regeneration
  • osseointegration

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

18 pages, 8051 KiB  
Article
Comparative Investigation of Vortex and Direct Plasma Discharge for Treating Titanium Surface
by Hyun-Jeong Jeon, Subin Seo, Ara Jung, Kyeong-mok Kang, Jeonghoon Lee, Bomi Gweon and Youbong Lim
Biomimetics 2025, 10(1), 7; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics10010007 - 26 Dec 2024
Viewed by 730
Abstract
Numerous studies have investigated the surface treatment of implants using various types of plasma, including atmospheric pressure plasma and vacuum plasma, to remove impurities and increase surface energy, thereby enhancing osseointegration. Most previous studies have focused on generating plasma directly on the implant [...] Read more.
Numerous studies have investigated the surface treatment of implants using various types of plasma, including atmospheric pressure plasma and vacuum plasma, to remove impurities and increase surface energy, thereby enhancing osseointegration. Most previous studies have focused on generating plasma directly on the implant surface by using the implant as an electrode for plasma discharge. However, plasmas generated under atmospheric and moderate vacuum conditions often have a limited plasma volume, meaning the shape of the electrodes significantly influences the local electric field characteristics, which in turn affects plasma behavior. Consequently, to ensure consistent performance across implants of different sizes and shapes, it is essential to develop a plasma source with discharge characteristics that are unaffected by the treatment target, ensuring uniform exposure. To address this challenge, we developed a novel plasma source, termed “vortex plasma”, which generates uniform plasma using a magnetic field within a controlled space. We then compared the surface treatment efficiency of the vortex plasma to that of conventional direct plasma discharge by evaluating hydrophilicity, surface chemistry, and surface morphology. In addition, to assess the biological outcomes, we examined osteoblast cell activity on both the vortex and direct plasma-treated surfaces. Our results demonstrate that vortex plasma improved hydrophilicity, reduced carbon content, and enhanced osteoblast adhesion and activity to a level comparable to direct plasma, all while maintaining the physical surface structure and morphology. Full article
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29 pages, 7257 KiB  
Article
A New Multi-Axial Functional Stress Analysis Assessing the Longevity of a Ti-6Al-4V Dental Implant Abutment Screw
by Ghada H. Naguib, Ahmed O. Abougazia, Lulwa E. Al-Turki, Hisham A. Mously, Abou Bakr Hossam Hashem, Abdulghani I. Mira, Osama A. Qutub, Abdulelah M. Binmahfooz, Afaf A. Almabadi and Mohamed T. Hamed
Biomimetics 2024, 9(11), 689; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics9110689 - 12 Nov 2024
Viewed by 1415
Abstract
This study investigates the impact of tightening torque (preload) and the friction coefficient on stress generation and fatigue resistance of a Ti-6Al-4V abutment screw with an internal hexagonal connection under dynamic multi-axial masticatory loads in high-cycle fatigue (HCF) conditions. A three-dimensional model of [...] Read more.
This study investigates the impact of tightening torque (preload) and the friction coefficient on stress generation and fatigue resistance of a Ti-6Al-4V abutment screw with an internal hexagonal connection under dynamic multi-axial masticatory loads in high-cycle fatigue (HCF) conditions. A three-dimensional model of the implant–abutment assembly was simulated using ANSYS Workbench 16.2 computer aided engineering software with chewing forces ranging from 300 N to 1000 N, evaluated over 1.35 × 107 cycles, simulating 15 years of service. Results indicate that the healthy range of normal to maximal mastication forces (300–550 N) preserved the screw’s structural integrity, while higher loads (≥800 N) exceeded the Ti-6Al-4V alloy’s yield strength, indicating a risk of plastic deformation under extreme conditions. Stress peaked near the end of the occluding phase (206.5 ms), marking a critical temporal point for fatigue accumulation. Optimizing the friction coefficient (0.5 µ) and preload management improved stress distribution, minimized fatigue damage, and ensured joint stability. Masticatory forces up to 550 N were well within the abutment screw’s capacity to sustain extended service life and maintain its elastic behavior. Full article
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17 pages, 6381 KiB  
Article
Improved Biocompatibility in Laser-Polished Implants
by Mattew A. Olawumi, Francis T. Omigbodun and Bankole I. Oladapo
Biomimetics 2024, 9(10), 642; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics9100642 - 18 Oct 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1483
Abstract
This research aims to enhance the surface quality, mechanical properties, and biocompatibility of PEEK (polyether–ether–ketone) biomimetic dental implants through laser polishing. The objective is to improve osseointegration and implant durability by reducing surface roughness, increasing hydrophilicity, and enhancing mechanical strength. The methodology involved [...] Read more.
This research aims to enhance the surface quality, mechanical properties, and biocompatibility of PEEK (polyether–ether–ketone) biomimetic dental implants through laser polishing. The objective is to improve osseointegration and implant durability by reducing surface roughness, increasing hydrophilicity, and enhancing mechanical strength. The methodology involved fabricating PEEK implants via FDM and applying laser polishing. The significant findings showed a 66.7% reduction in surface roughness, Ra reduced from 2.4 µm to 0.8 µm, and a 25.3% improvement in hydrophilicity, water contact angle decreased from 87° to 65°. Mechanical tests revealed a 6.3% increase in tensile strength (96 MPa to 102 MPa) and a 50% improvement in fatigue resistance (100,000 to 150,000 cycles). The strength analysis result showed a 10% increase in stiffness storage modulus from 1400 MPa to 1500 MPa. Error analysis showed a standard deviation of ±3% across all tests. In conclusion, laser polishing significantly improves the surface, mechanical, and biological performance of PEEK implants, making it a promising approach for advancing biomimetic dental implant technology. Full article
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11 pages, 4437 KiB  
Article
Effects of Aging on New Bone Regeneration in a Mandibular Bone Defect in a Rat Model
by Jung Ho Park, Jong Hoon Park, Hwa Young Yu and Hyun Seok
Biomimetics 2024, 9(8), 466; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics9080466 - 1 Aug 2024
Viewed by 1247
Abstract
The effects of aging on the healing capacity of maxillofacial bone defects have not been studied. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of aging on the regeneration of round bony defects in the mandible. We created a round-shaped bony [...] Read more.
The effects of aging on the healing capacity of maxillofacial bone defects have not been studied. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of aging on the regeneration of round bony defects in the mandible. We created a round-shaped bony defect in the mandibular angle area in rats of different ages (2-[2 M], 10-[10 M], and 20-month-old [20 M]) and evaluated new bone regeneration in these groups. Changes in bone turnover markers such as alkaline phosphatase, procollagen type I N-terminal propeptide (PINP), cross-linked C-telopeptide of type I collagen, and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase 5B (TRAP5b) were investigated. The bone volume/total volume and bone mineral density of the 20 M group were significantly higher than those of the 2 M group (p = 0.029, 0.019). A low level of the bone formation marker PINP was observed in the 20 M group, and a high level of the bone resorption marker TRAP5b was observed in the 10 M and 20 M groups. Micro-computed tomography (µ-CT) results showed that older rats had significantly higher bone formation than younger rats, with lower serum levels of PINP and higher levels of TRAP5b. The local environment of the old rat bone defects, surrounded by thickened bone, may have affected the results of our study. In conclusion, old rats showed greater new bone regeneration and healing capacity for round mandibular bone defects. This result was related to the fact that the bone defects in the 20 M rat group provided more favorable conditions for new bone regeneration. Full article
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13 pages, 5615 KiB  
Article
Inflammatory Profile of Different Absorbable Membranes Used for Bone Regeneration: An In Vivo Study
by Vinícius Ferreira Bizelli, Arthur Henrique Alécio Viotto, Izabela Fornazari Delamura, Ana Maira Pereira Baggio, Edith Umasi Ramos, Leonardo Perez Faverani and Ana Paula Farnezi Bassi
Biomimetics 2024, 9(7), 431; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics9070431 - 16 Jul 2024
Viewed by 1325
Abstract
Background: Guided bone regeneration (GBR) has become a necessary practice in implantology. Absorbable membranes have shown advantages over non-absorbable membranes, such as blood support of bone tissue. This study aimed to evaluate five collagen membranes in rat calvaria critical-size defects through a histomorphometric [...] Read more.
Background: Guided bone regeneration (GBR) has become a necessary practice in implantology. Absorbable membranes have shown advantages over non-absorbable membranes, such as blood support of bone tissue. This study aimed to evaluate five collagen membranes in rat calvaria critical-size defects through a histomorphometric analysis of the inflammatory profile during the initial phase of bone repair. Materials and methods: A total of 72 Albinus Wistar rats were used for the study, divided into six groups, with 12 animals per group, and two experimental periods, 7 and 15 days. The groups were as follows: the CG (clot), BG (Bio-Gide®), JS (Jason®), CS (Collprotect®), GD (GemDerm®), and GDF (GemDerm Flex®). Results: Data showed that the BG group demonstrated an inflammatory profile with an ideal number of inflammatory cells and blood vessels, indicating a statistically significant difference between the JS and CS groups and the BG group in terms of the number of inflammatory cells and a statistically significant difference between the JS and CS groups and the GD group in terms of angiogenesis (p < 0.05). Conclusions: We conclude that different origins and ways of obtaining them, as well as the thickness of the membrane, can interfere with the biological response of the material. Full article
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