At the fifth Meeting of the European Federation of Periodontology (EuroPerio) in Madrid today, Straumann, a global leader in implant dentistry and dental tissue regeneration, announced the European launch of Straumann Emdogain PLUS, the latest addition to its system of solutions for regenerating oral tissue.
The new product is used to save teeth that have been considerably damaged by periodontal disease. It supports regeneration of the tissues that anchor the root of the tooth, and provides the support necessary to fill wide defects. Emdogain PLUS is specifically indicated as an adjunct to regenerative surgery in wide defects, for use in periodontal pockets greater than 6mm, or where soft tissue support is required. Additional uses typically include root furcation defects and extraction sites.
Straumann Emdogain PLUS conveniently combines the regenerative capabilities of Straumann Emdogain with the mechanical stability of Straumann BoneCeramic.
Straumann Emdogain
Straumann Emdogain is a well-documented, effective and easy-to-apply gel that supports the predictable re-growth of hard and soft tissues, leading to the regeneration of tooth attachment. Since its introduction in 1996, Emdogain has been used to treat more than one million patients and has been the subject of more than 140 scientific publications.
A recent peer-reviewed publication on the product appeared in February. It reported the 5-year results of a long-term study in 82 patients and showed statistically significant increases in tooth attachment after 1 year (p<0.001). Remarkably, tooth attachment increased even further at 5 years (p<0.01) after treatment, endorsing the product’s long-term effectiveness in regenerative periodontal surgery[1].
Notwithstanding, more than 90% of the patients suitable for Emdogain remain untreated, indicating a large unmet clinical need.
Straumann BoneCeramic
The other component in Straumann Emdogain PLUS is Straumann BoneCeramic, which was launched separately in Europe earlier this year. This is a fully synthetic bone-graft substitute, which is used, for example, in patients who do not have sufficient bone to support implant procedures.
Approximately one in five patients needing tooth replacement does not have adequate bone to provide sufficient stability for a dental implant. Such cases are commonly treated with a bone graft, although the process of harvesting/removing bone from the donor site in the patient can be painful and is associated with risks. One alternative is to use materials from another human source or from animals. Fully synthetic bone graft materials provide an attractive alternative solution, but available products are limited by their absorption or handling characteristics.
Straumann Bone Ceramic is characterized by excellent resorbtion properties and outstanding handling convenience. Its two-phase composition of hydroxyapatite (HA) and tricalcium phosphate (ß-TCP) supports the formation of new vital bone, maintains mechanical stability, and enhances the subsequent replacement of new tissue with mature laminar bone.
Prompted by the overwhelmingly positive response from clinicians in pre-market testing, Straumann BoneCeramic was launched in the US ahead of schedule towards the end of last year. The European roll-out began earlier this year.
The quantity and quality of bone are crucial to the success of implant treatment. In addition, an adequate bone structure ensures that the gum is preserved and does not recede. The essential conditions for implantation and restoration of tissue can be created with regenerative products that promote bone and/or gum tissue formation. To meet the increasing demands for quality and esthetics, new materials and technologies are called for. With such technologies Straumann seeks to offer customers a portfolio of regenerative products that corresponds to and complements the company’s successful implant solutions.