Induced physiological bone changes in the absence of mechanical loading by internal pulsed electromagnetic implant: A pilot study in animal model.

Introduction

Tooth loss results in a rapid, progressive quantitative loss of jaw-bone and qualitative degradation of its architecture  which may negatively impact functional and aesthetic treatment outcomes of conventional and implant-supported prostheses (1). Currently, there are no predictable solutions to prevent these occurrences. Emerging evidence suggests that electromagnetic fields may improve healing of fractured appendicular-bones (2).  Shayesteh et al. showed previously that constant electrical field could accelerate osseointegration and decrease the time of healing following the first stage of implant surgery  in an animal model (3).

Objectives

To  test whether electromagnetic fields can affect jaw-bone loss at extraction sites in rats when compared to a control group and use micro-computed tomography to analyze the results.

References

1. Schropp L, et al. Bone healing and soft tissue contour changes following single-tooth extraction: a clinical and radiographic 12-month prospective study. Int J Periodontics Restorative Dent 2003; 23(4):313–23. 

2. Rubin CT, et al. Prevention of osteoporosis by pulsed electromagnetic fields. J Bone Joint Surg Am 1989; 71 (3):411-417 . 

3. Shayesteh Y, Eslami B, Dehghan M, Vaziri H, khojasteh A. The Effect of a Constant Electrical Field on Osseointegration after Immediate Implantation in Dog Mandibles: A Preliminary Study. Journal of Prosthodontics 2007;16(5):337-342.