A new resin technology developed with the US Ministry of Energy Support promises to reduce costly, repetitive dental procedures.
Dental restorations, such as fillings and crowns, often fail within five to seven years due to the secondary decomposition of the teeth. But a Brazilian dentist-transformed into a researcher, now based in Oklahoma, has developed an innovative adhesive resin that could help teeth-and fills-to last longer, the Section announced.
Fernando Luis Esteban Florez, Associate Professor at the University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry, collaborated with colleagues and scientists at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory of the Ministry of Energy (ORNL) in Tennessee to create the first long -acting antibacterial adhesion.
“My idea was to develop dental adhesives that would provide long -term protection against oral bacteria,” Esteban Florez said. “Only in the US, a long -term antibacterial dental glue could help prevent more than 60 million dental procedures per year and save patients over $ 5 billion per year.”
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Utilization of nanotechnology to combat bacteria
With the support of Doe’s Science Office, Esteban Florez and co-entrepreneur Sharukh Khajotia, Deputy Dean for Research and Innovation at the University, have gained access to advanced research tools in the center of ORNL for Nanophase Sciences and High-Flower Reactor.
Together with the Ornl scientists, the group modified titanium dioxide nanoparticles to create reactive oxygen species – extremely active chemicals that kill bacteria, viruses and other microorganisms. Unlike antibiotics, germs cannot resist these chemicals.
With the spread of nanoparticles engineers in a common dental adhesive resin, the researchers created a material with strong, long -term antimicrobial properties. It is important that nanoparticles did not accumulate together, a common obstacle to nanotechnology applications.
“Right now we are talking about a leading dental company for the marketing of this patented technology,” Esteban Florez said. “This extremely versatile antibacterial polymer can operate in countless applications, including dental restorations, teeth whitening products, medical appliances and even antimicrobial overlays for hospitals and airports.”
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Consequences for dentistry
The project also emphasizes how interdisciplinary collaboration – between clinical doctors and national laboratory researchers – can accelerate dental innovation. The Esteban Florez Credits “Program User” of DOE, which provides free or low -cost access to world -class research facilities, saving almost a decade of growth.
If transferred to the market, this resin can represent one of the most important advances in rehabilitation dentistry for years, with the ability to reform treatment protocols and improve the long -term effects of oral health.
