Soft tissue and epithelial models.
The applicability of a biomaterial for the manufacturing of oral implants is determined by its physicochemical and geometric surface properties. Research, therefore, is concerned with the cellular reactions that occur when an implant material comes into contact with body tissues. For permucosal oral implants, this involves both the reaction of bone and gingival cells. In vitro cell culturing--including the use of various analytical techniques like light microscopy, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, confocal laser scanning microscopy, and digital image analysis--is a good tool whereby investigators can obtain more insight into the relevant components of implant-tissue adhesion. In the current overview, the role of cell models in oral implant research is discussed, specifically with reference to responses of epithelial cells and fibroblasts.
Department of Biomaterials, College of Dental Science, Medical Faculty, University of Nijmegen, PO Box 9101, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
J A
JA
Jansen
E T
ET
den Braber
X F
XF
Walboomers
J E
JE
de Ruijter
D000539:Alveolar Process / Q000166:cytology; D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000737:chemistry*; D002448:Cell Adhesion / Q000502:physiology; D055598:Chemical Phenomena; D002627:Chemistry, Physical; D015921:Dental Implants; D003764:Dental Materials / Q000737:chemistry*; D004847:Epithelial Cells / Q000502:physiology; D005347:Fibroblasts / Q000502:physiology; D005881:Gingiva / Q000166:cytology; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D018613:Microscopy, Confocal; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D009061:Mouth Mucosa / Q000166:cytology* / Q000502:physiology; D013499:Surface Properties
D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D015921:Dental Implants; D003764:Dental Materials