The use of biomaterials in dentistry, particularly in dental implants and bone regeneration, continues to advance alongside technological developments. One notable material is chitosan , recognized for its bioactive properties, biocompatibility, and ability to support tissue regeneration.
Research conducted by FKG UGM student Kent Sidharta, under the supervision of drg. Kwartarini Murdiastuti, Sp.Perio(K), Ph.D., and Prof. drg. Suryono, S.H., M.M., Ph.D., entitled The Effect of Collagen–Chitosan Hydrogel Combination and Injectable Platelet-Rich Fibrin on Alveolar Bone Dimensional Changes in Post-Extraction Sockets of Wistar Rats, found that a combination of collagen hydrogel, chitosan, and platelet-rich fibrin influenced alveolar bone dimensional changes, including buccal and lingual bone height as well as alveolar bone volume after tooth extraction in Wistar rats.
Chitosan offers several advantages: it stimulates cell proliferation, accelerates wound healing, and supports bone and soft tissue regeneration around dental implants. Derived naturally from chitin in shrimp shells, chitosan effectively promotes bone formation and enhances implant integration with alveolar bone.
Challenges
Despite its benefits, the use of chitosan also presents challenges, including stability within the body, control of biodegradability, and consistency of clinical outcomes. Choosing the appropriate form and modification of the material is key to overcoming these issues.
The combination of natural materials such as chitosan demonstrates significant potential to improve the success rate of dental implants and accelerate healing following extraction or implantation procedures. Its use as a supporting biomaterial in dental implants represents a promising innovation to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of alveolar bone and surrounding tissue regeneration.
With these benefits, chitosan has the potential to become an integral part of sustainable, eco-friendly biomaterial technologies in dentistry, offering innovative solutions for tissue regeneration and bone structure restoration.
References
Kent Sidharta, drg. Kwartarini Murdiastuti., Sp.Perio(K), Ph.D; Prof. drg. Suryono, S.H, M.M, Ph.D., The Effect of Collagen–Chitosan Hydrogel Combination and Injectable Platelet-Rich Fibrin on Alveolar Bone Dimensional Changes in Post-Extraction Sockets of Wistar Rats (Study on Buccal and Lingual Bone Height and Alveolar Bone Volume), https://etd.repository.ugm.ac.id/penelitian/detail/247956
Author: Rizky B. Hendrawan | Photo: Freepik
