Collagen is a protein present in humans and animals and is the primary structure of teeth, bones, tendons, cartilage and connective tissue.
In particular groups of collagen fibers form the acellular component of the periodontium.
When the periodontal ligament is damaged, periodontal disease is established, a group of inflammatory diseases that affect the supporting tissue of the teeth causing gingivitis or even periodontitis.
Collagen promotes wound stabilization and acts as a chemotactic agent for various types of cells involved in the wound healing process, including gingival and periodontal ligament fibroblasts (Postlethwaite et al. 1978).
Since collagen degrades rapidly in the oral cavity in a non-inflammatory manner, it has been possible to use collagen membranes in procedures of
guided tissue regeneration (GTR) and guided bone regeneration (GBR) to increase periodontal and peri-implant tissue loss respectively (Nyman et al. 1980, Karing et al. 1980, Nyman et al. 1982, Dahlin et al. 1988).
Collagen is a protein present in the connective tissues of all mammals, therefore with a high level of homology. This has allowed to realize several collagen membranes of animal origin for GTR or GBR procedures.
Based on these experiences H42 has been developed.
H42 is a polymeric hydrogel with modulated visco-elasticity that can be used as an adjuvant gel in the non-surgical treatment of periodontitis and peri-implantitis, following mechanical plaque removal, biofilm removal and root smoothing in periodontal and peri-implant pockets.
H42 creates the best conditions to promote the tissue healing process around the tooth/implant by promoting a reduction of the gingival pocket and the restoration of the functional attachment of the tooth/implant.
H42 contains no antibiotics and is based on type I collagen of equine origin and ascorbic acid.
The use of equine collagen makes H42 usable also by communities that for religious rules do not allow the use of products of bovine or swine origin.