Method and apparatus for stimulating osteogenic activity in bone structure adjacent a dental implant

摘要

An electroconductive dental implant is permanently imbedded in the jawbone of the subject, with a portion thereof extending into the oral cavity which is connected to a current source to act as a cathode. A second electroconductive electrode is non-permanently affixed to the skin of the subject, preferably at the ear, and connected to the source to act as an anode. The direct current applied to the implant and the electrode is preferably regulated so as to maintain a substantially constant current level throughout the application thereof. A continuous current, preferably of 200 microamperes or less is applied intermittently for relatively short periods not exceeding approximately one hour in duration. In this manner, osteogenic activity in the bone structure adjacent to the contours of the dental implant is stimulated in order to increase the rate of the normal healing process.