Emdogain: Treatment of Periodontal Disease

The #1 goal of periodontal disease treatment is to allow for re formation of and re attachment of the periodontal tissues. The best way (and least invasive) is via regeneration or regrowth. There have been various products come to market over the years that have been considered the next immediate fix in regenerative periodontal therapy. Very few have ever seen the real world clinical results of emdogain. Emdogain is made up of various biological proteins and growth factors that have been scientifically proven (thru clinical research and trials) to regrow periodontal tissue, connective tissue, and bone. Emdogain has been shown to be quite stable and predictable for Periodontal  regeneration of lost periodontal tissues.

How Does Emdogain Work?

Emdogain achieves its clinical results by tricking the body into forming new bone, cementum, and attachment fibers. Emdogain’s secret weapon is in its enamel matrix proteins (also called amelogenins) taken from developing teeth in pigs. Luckily, humans do not recognize these proteins as foreign, as they are similarly found in all mammals. There is also a 0 (zero) chance of transmission of any disease by the proteins. During tooth development, these proteins are secreted onto the root surface that is developing preceding the formation of tooth attachment. Luckily for us, this also occurs when the proteins are placed on the root surface of a tooth that has lost bone and attachment from periodontal disease.

By reintroducing enamel matrix proteins, you are triggering a biologic response from the body to do what it did naturally during your earliest of development. Enamel matrix proteins are only in the body for a short window of time during human development.When applied to the root surface of teeth, these proteins group and form into an insoluble matrix layer that promotes the attachment of mesenchymal cells. These cells produce new matrix components and growth factors that participate in the regain of tooth attachment. Epithelial cell growth is also inhibited by emdogain. This allows for proper tissue and bone reformation to take place without interference.

Treatment

Once your dentist has diagnosed, the presence of periodontal disease. Emdogain will be discussed as the least invasive and most effective way to restore the area back to its natural cosmetic appearance. The area in question is generally referred to as a defect. That term is used because there is a periodontal pocket present where the bone and soft tissue has moved away from attaching to the tooth. This is caused by the periodontal disease process. After the defect has been  exposed so the dentist has full visualization of the area. The area is cleaned and debrided of any inflammation and/or diseased tissue or hard tartar deposits. Emdogain is used to help the tissues repair themselves. Emdogain comes as a premixed gel in a syringe. The material is inserted into the defect area. The area is closed and patient can then go about their normal lives. Obviously, the area might be a little tender and patient should avoid flossing and chewing on that side for a few days to allow proper healing time and no disturbance of emdogain as it does its work.

Post Treatment

In the following two weeks, about 75% of the tooth surface where the defect was present will be covered with the newly developing tooth tissues. The attachment and supporting  structures begin to reattach to the tooth to aid in keeping the tooth stable and healthy. These new tissues will take about one year to complete the maturation process. For this reason, the area where Emodgain is used, should not be periodontally probed (by your dentist or hygienist) for a period of about 6 months. Emdogain can also be used with soft tissue defects. Emdogain is not ideal for every defect. Your dentist 89014 will be able to describe to you if emdogain is right for your particular case.  

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