Use of PDL in Implant Technology

Objective: Reducing the force between the implant and the bone by recapitulating a similar matrix has the potential to reduce implant failure. To begin to pursue the goal of creating a periodontal ligament interface between a dental implant and bone, the mechanism of cellular attachment to dental implant surfaces must be characterized. Methods: The role of integrin receptors expressed on periodontal ligament fibroblasts were examined as to their function in attaching these cells to titanium surfaces utilized on dental implants. Implant surfaces included in this study included smooth polished titanium, acid pickled titanium, ground titanium, sandblasted and acid etched titanium, non-oxidized titanium that has been sandblasted and acid etched, hydroxyapatite coated titanium, titanium plasma sprayed or uncoated titanium. Integrin mediated fibroblast attachment was tested using the integrin blocking peptide GRGDSP, anti-integrin β1 antibody and a combination of the two. A control peptide GRADSP and an IgG isotype control were also used in separate experiments. Quantitation of periodontal ligament fibroblast attachment was completed by counting cells on the various implant surfaces after culturing in vitro for 24 hours with and without peptide or antibody treatment. Results: GRGDSP and anti-integrin β1 antibody treatment significantly reduced the number of fibroblasts cells attached to the various implant surfaces but this effect varied significantly depending on the surface. Moreover, increased levels of peptide further decreased fibroblasts attachment in a dose dependent manner. Control molecules had no effect on cellular attachment. Conclusion: Integrin receptors are important for periodontal ligament to attach to titanium surfaces and different integrin subunits are used by these cell to attach to the titanium surfaces.