Dental Implant Coatings to Improve Gingival Attachment

We will improve the bonding of gingival tissue to osseointegrated dental implants by coating the peportion of implants with extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. ECM proteins, which will be covalentlytransgingival implant surfaces using patented BSI photochemistry, are expected to improve the attachgingival fibroblasts and epithelial cells. Improved bonding by gingival connective tissue is expecteovergrowth of a stable epithelium that does not marsupialize. The resulting biological seal betweentissue should reduce bacterial infections and extend the useful life of dental prostheses. During Ph(fibronectin, type I collagen, and type IV collagen) will be photoimmobilized onto titanium coupons.proteins will be used to quantify the loading levels on titanium coupons. Then, each coated surfacefor attachment and growth of human fibroblasts and epithelial cells. Finally, coatings that demonstrperformance will be 1) applied to titanium one-stage implants, 2) implanted in a dog model, and 3) ehistologically for tissue integration.