Modeling and simulation of platelet reaction and diffusion towards an electro-stimulating dental implant

Electrical stimulation (ES) has been used clinically to promote bone ingrowth on implant surface. The osseointegration of biomaterials in bone requires complex biological interactions between different bone cells species. At the early stages of bone healing, it is reported in literature that platelets play an important role in stimulating stem cells, osteogenic cells and osteoblasts. This work studies the coupling of the reaction-diffusion model of platelets with external ES. For this, we introduce a mathematical model framework consisting of a system of coupled partial differential equations. Platelets´ migration and interaction within a realistic 3D model adapted from an electro-stimulating dental implant is studied. DC voltage of 3.1 V is applied at the electrodes. The electric field distribution around the electro-stimulating dental implant is simulated. High concentration of platelets around the implant surface is achieved after one day of healing. Based on these results, it is shown that osseointegration of dental implants in bone could be enhanced and accelerated by means of ES.