FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEOctober 2000
CONTACT:Jann Ingmire[email protected]
Fred Peterson[email protected]
McCormick Place Convention Center (Rm. 115)Chicago, Illinois312/791-6625 or312/440-2806 (ADA)
New Trend for Dental Materials: Back to Nature
CHICAGO -- Dental researchers are developing materials that are biologically closer to natural tooth composition, according to a leading dental materials researcher.
Alan A. Boghosian, D.D.S., will present information on these new biomimetic materials, in addition to updating dentists on current filling materials and techniques on Tuesday, October 17, 2000, at the American Dental Association's (ADA) 141st Annual Scientific Session, McCormick Place Convention Center, Chicago. Dr. Boghosian is an assistant clinical professor and director of clinical research in the division of biological materials at Northwestern University Dental School, as well as a private practitioner in Chicago.
"Biomimetic simply means to mimic biology," explains Dr. Boghosian. "Dentistry has successfully used synthetic materials, like resin-based tooth-colored filling materials, metals and ceramics to replace the diseased, missing portions of teeth. In the future, dentistry will look toward a more biological, or biomimetic, approach to restoring diseased teeth and rehabilitating the oral cavity back to function."
Dr. Boghosian provides the example of treating a patient with sensitive teeth, a fairly common complaint. Sensitive teeth are often the result of the gums receding, exposing the roots of the tooth. Patients complain of sensitivity to cold, like when eating ice cream or drinking a cold beverage, and touch, such as contact with the toothbrush or dental floss. "One way to treat this problem currently is by sealing the root surface with a synthetic adhesive material to desensitize the area."
Dr. Boghosian says there is a more natural approach available. Researchers at the American Dental Association Health Foundation's Paffenbarger Research Center have developed a patented technology of a biomimetic desensitizing agent which uses calcium and phosphate, the key components of human bone and teeth. "The dentist simply applies two water-based solutions to the sensitive area, and they form a gel-like complex that penetrates into the tooth. We're using the same chemistry present in the human body to eliminate sensitivity that is caused by the loss of enamel," Dr. Boghosian explains.
"The best material to have in your mouth is untouched natural tooth structure because dentin and enamel are far superior to plastics, metal and ceramics," Dr. Boghosian says. "If we are able to come as close to natural tooth structure as possible by using biomimetic-based materials, then greater bio-compatibility with the tooth and the surrounding gum tissues may be realized."
While Dr. Boghosian sees a trend of more biologically active materials being developed for use in dentistry, in his lecture he reports on the latest improvements in currently available dental materials.
"The rapid evolution of dental materials and new techniques allows dentists to restore patients' teeth with unsurpassed performance, both functionally and aesthetically. Restorations are lasting longer and looking more natural than ever before."
For more information about the American Dental Association's (ADA) position on this and other health issues, visit the ADA Web site at www.ada.org.
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