Development of a Functional Biohybrid Implant Formed from Periodontal Tissue Utilizing Bioengineering Technology

Current osseointegrated dental implants have been widely used for the rehabilitation of tooth loss. Although dental implants are considered an available treatment in the paradigm shift from traditional dental therapies, such as fixed dental bridges and removable dentures, the fundamental problems must be overcome before their clinical use in young patients who are still undergoing jawbone growth. Here, we show a novel bioengineering method for a functional biohybrid implant that is combined with adult-derived periodontal tissue and attached with bone tissue as a substitute for cementum. This biohybrid implant was successfully engrafted using the bioengineered periodontal ligament, and it restored physiological function, such as orthodontic movement through bone remodeling and appropriate responsiveness to noxious stimuli. Thus, this study represents the functional biohybrid implant's potential for clinical use as a next-generation dental implant using adult-derived tissues.