Dental Implants

About

Background: White spot decalcification, calculus formation and caries on tooth surfaces that are in intimate contact with the orthodontic brackets are of great concern to orthodontists and their patients. These difficulties are primarily a consequence of bacterial plaque formation. Failing implants are also linked to bacterial infections resulting from adherence and colonization in the peri-implant area. About 80% of implant production cost results from producing adhesion resistant, highly polished surfaces for the portion of the implant that will be above the gingival. Certain salts have been reported to reduce bacterial colonization and subsequent plaque accumulation by modifying cell surface properties.   Description of Project: Preparations and compositions of calcium phosphate that release an effective salt can serve as antibacterial coatings for orthodontic brackets and dental implants. Pellets made of this material that were immersed in human saliva for up to five days were shown to inhibit both bacterial colonization and calculus formation. Application of this technology could drastically reduce the cost of dental implant manufacture by making unnecessary the process of polishing to provide a smooth surface for part of the implant.   Applications: As an antibacterial coating on orthodontic brackets and dental implants to reduce carries, calculus and decalcification in the areas of contact.