Alveolar ridge augmentation using implants coated with recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-7 (rhBMP-7/rhOP-1):: radiographic observations

Aim: The objective of this study was to radiographically evaluate the potential of a purpose-designed titanium porous-oxide implant surface coated with recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-7 (rhBMP-7), also known as recombinant human osteogenic protein-1 (rhOP-1), to stimulate alveolar ridge augmentation. Material and Methods: Six young-adult Hound Labrador mongrel dogs were used. Three 10 mm titanium oral implants per jaw quadrant were placed 5 mm into the alveolar ridge in the posterior mandible following surgical extraction of the pre-molar teeth and reduction of the alveolar ridge leaving 5 mm of the implants in a supra-alveolar position. The implants had been coated with rhBMP-7 at 1.5 or 3.0 mg/ml and were randomized to contralateral jaw quadrants using a split-mouth design. The mucoperiosteal flaps were advanced, adapted, and sutured to submerge the implants. Radiographic registrations were made immediately post-surgery (baseline), and at weeks 4 and 8 (end of study). Results: rhBMP-7-coated implants exhibited robust radiographic bone formation. At 8 weeks, bone formation averaged 4.4 and 4.2 mm for implants coated with rhBMP-7 at 1.5 and 3.0 mg/ml, respectively. There were no significant differences between the rhBMP-7 concentrations at any observation interval. A majority of the implant sites showed voids within the newly formed bone at week 4 that generally resolved by week 8. The newly formed bone assumed characteristics of the resident bone. Conclusions: The titanium porous-oxide implant surface serves as an effective carrier for rhBMP-7 showing a clinically significant potential to stimulate local bone formation.