Impact of rhBMP-2 on regeneration of buccal alveolar defects during the osseointegration of transgingival inserted implants

Objective New approaches to enhance vertical bone regeneration in clinically relevant implant models are needed. Therefore, we analyzed the impact of recombinant human bone morphogenic protein 2 (rhBMP-2) on the healing of large buccal alveolar defects during osseointegration of transgingivally inserted implants. Study design Twenty-four dental implants were inserted transgingivally in the mandibles of 6 labrador/golden retriever cross-bred dogs. Before implantation, a standardized buccal bone defect was created and refilled with either calcium phosphate as a carrier containing rhBMP-2 or calcium phosphate alone. Either ceramic abutments that enabled immediate implant loading or healing distance collars to prevent loading were mounted. Sixteen weeks after intervention, bone implant units were analyzed by radiofrequency analysis and histomorphometry. Results In total, 14 implants (58.3%) were available for further analysis. The mean depth of the bone defects, the gain of regenerated bone, the vertical osseointegration of the implants, and the bone-to-implant contact in the newly formed bone were slightly greater in the rhBMP-2–containing samples. In contrast, the osseointegration in the preexisting bone was even superior within the non-rhBMP-2–treated specimen. However no differences were statistically significant. Conclusions When rhBMP-2–conducted bone regeneration was compared with control samples, no significant differences of newly formed bone were found at the bone-implant interface. The amounts of rhBMP-2 applied do not seem suitable to enhance implant osseointegration in large buccal defects.