2019 Volume 39 Issue 1-2 Pages 53-61
Enamel matrix derivative (EMD), based on the principle of periodontal tissue generation, was developed as biomaterial promoting regeneration of periodontal tissue once lost due to periodontal disease. According to recent studies, however, EMD may be applicable to bone regeneration due to its growth factor-like feature. As such, we investigated possible application of EMD to guided bone regeneration (GBR) in implant treatment, reviewing stepwise application of EMD in a series of clinical cases. Initially, we assessed post-implant placement wound healing by placing EMD on top of and around the healing caps and confirmed that EMD could be integrated into implant treatment. Secondly, we applied EMD in combination with bone filling material in socket preservation technique, which led to a favorable result. Finally, a case of EMDapplied GBR resulted in a clinically satisfactory outcome. Hence, we suggest possibility of wider application of EMD to GBR, based on due consideration of basic research. However, effect of EMD in implant treatment needs to be scrutinized based on long-term follow-up.
