Low Intensity Pulsating Electromagnetic Field as an Adjunctive Therapy for Bone Regeneration around Fractures, Dental Implants and Orthodontic Therapy- A Clinical Update

Abstract

Pulsed Electromagnetic Field (PEMF) is a non invasive, therapeutic form of low field magnetic stimulation that has been used for several years to supplement bone healing. It is known to generate pulsating magnetic frequencies within the body that accelerate the process of healing and reduce postoperative pain. The survival rate of dental implants over a 10-year observation has been reported to be higher than 90%. Success of dental implant therapy depends on the quality and quantity of available bone in which they are inserted. Implants with poor early or primary stability frequently may require additional time for osseointegration or may sometimes fail. Development of procedures which accelerate osseointegration of dental implants, reduce the period of healing, and lead to an early rehabilitation of the patient are required for successful oral rehabilitation. The potential for bone repair can be stimulated through non invasive adjunctive treatments such as application of pulsating electromagnetic field therapy, Low-Intensity Pulsed Ultrasound (LIPUS), and Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT). These methods of biophysical stimulation of bone union were developed initially to enhance the healing of fractures, healing of bony non unions and have been hypothesised to improve implant osseointegration. This study sought to report latest trends in PEMF Therapy stimulations in oral tissues and its use to enhance the bone repair and regeneration. Pulsed electromagnetic field stimulation to induce bone regeneration mandates a broad range of settings that include magnetic field intensity, frequency, type of signals and duration of application etc. The present study analyses these clinical settings in published human trials and is expected to serve as a treatment guide for the clinicians to bring into their clinical use these strategies to improve bone regeneration and implant osseointegration in deficient and osteoporotic bone.

Keywords

• biophysical stimulation
• bone healing
• magnetic field therapy
• osseointegration