Emdogain is a gel that is applied to exposed root surfaces during periodontal surgery. Emdogain successfully treats intrabony defects caused by moderate or severe periodontitis by aiding in the regeneration of the structures responsible for anchoring the teeth.

What is Periodontitis?

Periodontitis is a disease of the gums that is caused by bacteria. This chronic inflammatory disease breaks down the periodontium, which is responsible for supporting the teeth. If left untreated, tooth loss is likely.

Treatment for periodontitis may include surgery. There are several surgical techniques used to regenerate periodontal tissues. These techniques include bone grafting (BG), guided tissue regeneration (GTR) and using an enamel matrix derivative (EMD), like Emdogain.

5 Things to Know About Emdogain®

1. What is Emdogain®?

Emdogain is a biological product consisting of a unique group of proteins that are found in developing teeth. When used for the treatment of periodontitis, this innovative gel safely and effectively regenerates the hard and soft tissues of the periodontium, without the need for a second surgical site. The periodontium includes the periodontal ligament (PDL), the alveolar bone, the gingiva and the cementum.

During periodontal surgery, Emdogain can be applied topically onto root surfaces that are exposed. This enamel matrix derivative is very effective in helping to stabilize the teeth by helping to regenerate the structures responsible for anchoring the teeth. Thus, improving the overall results of periodontal surgery.

2. How Long Has Emdogain® Been Used for Periodontal Regeneration?

Emdogain was introduced for use in periodontal regeneration in 1996. Since that time, it has been used to treat millions of patients with periodontitis, worldwide. Emdogain remains the leading product for use in periodontal regeneration. Hundreds of clinical publications demonstrate Emdogain’s ability to provide predictable results (some publications representing results attained from procedures performed 10 years prior).

3. What are the Benefits of Emdogain®?

Emdogain allows the patient to preserve his or her smile; thus, restoring the patient’s self-confidence. In addition, patients who undergo periodontal surgery with Emdogain experience less discomfort than patients who receive BG or GTR treatments. Furthermore, clinicians state that this product assists in the healing process. Once the Emdogain Gel is applied, no additional surgery is necessary to achieve tissue and bone development. Emdogain continues to help create new alveolar bone and improve clinical attachment for more than 12 months following treatment. Once healing is complete, patients enjoy natural-looking results.

4. How Does It Work?

Following a single application of Emdogain, a resorbable protein matrix remains on the surface of the treated root. Within days, these proteins begin aggregating on the root to form an insoluble matrix. The defected area of the root fills with a thickened mass, which mesenchymal cells (adult stem cells) will attach to. These adult stem cells are like blank canvases: Therefore, they are capable of becoming the cells necessary to address the defect. In mere weeks, these cells create new periodontal ligaments and a new cementum. Within a few months, most of the new bone formations and attachments have been created.

Amelogenin: The Dominant Protein in Emdogain

Amelogenin is the dominant protein in Emdogain Gel. Since this protein is responsible for tooth development, the body considers it as part of itself. Therefore, when it is encountered, immunologic reactions or allergies are of no concern.

5. What Issues can Emdogain® address?

Emdogain can be used to treat gingival recession, furcation (bone-loss) defects or intrabony defects (defects within the bone that are surrounded by one, two or three osseous walls, or a combination of walls and the tooth’s surface).

The healing of bone defects through regeneration involves various types of tissue. For this reason, bone is the last tissue to reach a state that can be evaluated radiographically. However, it is established that bone volume and density following Emdogain treatment continues for a substantial length of time, some suggest continued growth of up to 3 years.

If you notice that your gums appear inflamed, contact Vero Implants and Periodontics today. As an experienced periodontist and Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology, with prompt treatment, Dr. Jeffrey Brown may be able to help you keep your teeth.