Background: The surgical placement of dental
implants is governed primarily by the prosthetic design and secondarily
by the morphology and quality of the alveolar bone. Implant placement
may be difficult, if at all possible, due to alveolar ridge aberrations. In
consequence, prosthetically dictated dental implant positioning
often entails augmentation of the alveolar ridge and adjacent structures.
The objective of this review is to discuss recent observations of
the biologic potential, the clinical relevance, and the perspectives
of the application of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2)
technology for alveolar bone augmentation and dental implant fixation.
Methods: Our studies use discriminating, critical-size, supraalveolar
defects in dogs to evaluate the biologic potential of the rhBMP-2
technology. We also use clinical modeling, including peri-implantitis and
alveolar ridge defects and the maxillary sinus in preparation for
clinical indications, in dogs and inhuman primates.
Results: The results suggest that rhBMP-2 has substantial potential
to augment alveolar bone and support dental implant fixation and
functional loading.
Conclusion and Clinical Relevance: Inclusion of
rhBMP-2 for alveolar bone augmentation and dental implant fixation
will not only enhance the predictability of the existing clinical protocol
but will also allow new approaches to these procedures.