According to a recent news release, researchers at the Universitat Jaume I (UJI) in Castellón have developed an implant coating with a biodegradable material aimed at people with bone deficit. It may also increase the overall success rate of implants through an enhanced biocompatibility and reduce the time of osseointegration or bone integration.

If the titanium radicle replacing the tooth root took at least two months to be anchored to the jawbone, the prototype developed will reduce the waiting so that patients can receive the ceramic crown which replaces the visible part of the tooth earlier, and regain their normal life sooner.

Julio José Suay, coordinator of the research group of Polymers and Advanced Materials explains, "It consists of covering the implant with a biodegradable coating that, upon contact with the bone, dissolves and during this degradation process is able to release silicon compounds and other bioactive molecules which induce bone generation."

As the release states, for the Soldent project, researchers at the Jaume I and the University of the Basque Country are working with the company Ilerimplant SL in the development of this prototype. After in vitro testing with cell cultures of the different biomaterials, they proceeded to the live animal evaluation, until achieving the prototype with the best results. The next phase consists of a clinical evaluation, in order to obtain the marketable sanitary product within two or three years.

The research aims to improve the success rate of dental implants, especially for people with jawbone deficiencies. In this regard, non-replacement of a lost tooth involves a series of biomechanical problems such as change of the bite line, the disordering of the teeth and the creation of empty spaces between them.