Research has shown these porcine-derived proteins are very similar to human enamel proteins. 2,3 Experiments in animal models 4,5 have shown that Emdogain does what it claims, but does it work in humans? If so how well? Better than the materials and methods we have now?
To answer those questions: Yes, it works pretty well in humans with regeneration of acellular cementum (ac), periodontal ligament (pdl), and alveolar bone (b) as proven with histological sections (Figure 1). 6-9 Available research comparing Emdogain to conventional guided tissue regeneration (GTR) using bone graft and a membrane shows that it works as well as present bone graft and membrane combinations.10 Figure 1. From Mellonig J, 1999. So is it the be-all, end-all of GTR? The magic bullet? Probably not, but it looks very, very good. In the next year, we will see an explosion in the number of clinical human studies on EMD’s in the literature, most with very encouraging results. Personally, I think Emdogain is easier to use during surgery in certain situations than having to manipulate membranes and grafts, but it is very technique sensitive. (I highly recommend reading Dr. Thomas G. Wilson, Jr.’s book on the use of Emdogain published by Quintessence Publishing for more information.)
Related Questions
- Research has shown these porcine-derived proteins are very similar to human enamel proteins. 2,3 Experiments in animal models 4,5 have shown that Emdogain does what it claims, but does it work in humans? If so how well? Better than the materials and methods we have now?
- Can animal experiments inform human health care?
- What are membrane proteins?
