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Human Gingival Epithelial Growth in vitro on a PICN Restorative Material

Online now, Dr. Martin J. Smallidge and colleagues present the results of an in vitro study investigating the growth of primary human gingival epithelial (HGE) cells on polymer‐infiltrated ceramic network (PICN) material (Vita Enamic) with different surface roughnesses.

PICN is now marketed for fabricating full‐contour implant‐supported crowns and studies have shown it not to be cytotoxic. Surface roughness is a component of biocompatibility affecting host cellular adhesion and proliferation across a material surface, and potentially adverse bacterial colonization. This study aimed to determine if PICN surface roughness would affect cell growth.

PICN material polished to a smooth surface resulted in exponential HGE cell growth compared to rough surfaces. Polishing PICN material as smooth as possible was found to maximize epithelial cell growth on the PICN material surface. The manufacturer's polishing method achieved a sufficiently smooth surface. These results are contrary to previous research regarding surface roughness of transgingival implant restoration components. The study results suggest that smoother restorative material surfaces could improve peri‐implant soft tissue health.

This research was presented as a finalist for the John J. Sharry Research Competition at the 2018 ACP Annual Session in Baltimore.

Read the article online now.

Smallidge MJ, Sabol JV, Aita‐Holmes C, et al: Human gingival epithelial growth in vitro on a polymer‐infiltrated ceramic network restorative material. J Prosthodont doi:10.1111/jopr.13017

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