Dental implants have transformed dental care, but their long-term success can be compromised by inflammation and gum disease caused by microbial biofilms. A groundbreaking implant design is emerging to tackle this challenge through inherent antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. The crown, the artificial tooth atop the implant structure, will be embedded with nanoparticles of barium titanate (BTO), a chemical compound known for its bacteria-repelling properties. Additionally, LEDs at the base of the crown will emit phototherapy, delivering light at a wavelength that possesses antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects to the surrounding gum tissue. The LEDs will be powered by the piezoelectric material in the crown, which converts the motion of chewing or toothbrushing into electrical energy. This innovative platform has the potential to revolutionize not only dental implants but also other applications like joint replacements. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has recognized the promise of this technology, awarding a five-year grant to further advance the implant’s development. The grant will support testing the implant using laboratory cultures of human gum tissue and eventually in mini pigs, paving the way for human clinical trials. In parallel, research is also underway to develop a new piezoelectric dental composite material for fillings. This material would generate an enhanced electrical charge at the interface from the mechanical pressure of chewing, effectively inhibiting bacterial colonization on the composite surface.
Innovative Implant Disrupts Biofilms, Combating Dental Implant Failure
