Recent research has found that new dental scaffolds could positively impact the healing process from dental implants. Dental implants are a popular dental treatment, but are not always successful, and take time to heal. But this new scaffold, which is loaded with the chemical element Strontium, could have a very beneficial effect on the healing process.
Recent research has led to the development of a new scaffold that could result in a vast improvement in the healing process of dental implants [1].
The scaffold is loaded with Strontium – a chemical element – and can be personalized to fit any size dental implant. Therefore, this personalization can result in targeted improvements to healing areas and tissue attachments.
This exciting research could assist both dental professionals and patients when using dental implants. It would hopefully result in improved treatment outcomes and longer-lasting implants.
What are dental implants?
Dental implants are a popular dental treatment. Typically, people will turn to dental implants after having a tooth removed.
Teeth are normally only ever removed when there are no other options. Typical causes include extensive tooth decay or gum disease. This results in a hole appearing where a tooth normally would. Fortunately though, holes do not need to stay for long.
Dental implants are essentially metal posts that are placed under the jawbone. These posts allow a dental professional to mount a replacement tooth in the gap in the jawbone.
The implant looks and feels just like a normal tooth. They are popular, with over 3million people in the United States having an implant as of 2019 [2].
However, dental implants don’t always work. Their success is in-part dependent on the way that the growth and adhesion of soft tissues impact the surface of the implant [1].
The Research
The research was conducted by a team at the University at Buffalo (UB). Subsequently, their findings were published in the Journal of Biomedical Materials [1].
The researchers started by producing the scaffolds. These are structures that stimulate cell growth [1]. The researchers produced these by developing small molds and ring-shaped templates.
Then, they infused the scaffolds with strontium concentrations. These concentrations are applied over a 4-5 day period, which ensures there is minimal toxicity [1].
By nature, Strontium is a bone-seeking element that is capable of improving bone density and strength. Previous research has consistently evidenced this [3].
Strontium is capable of promoting the function of fibroblasts – which are a type of cell that can help to form connective tissues. Therefore, Strontium can play a key role in wound healing.
The researchers then tested the scaffolds in the laboratory [1]. They found that the strontium had a strong effect on the scaffolds, as it led to an increase in gingival cells being created. Therefore, this would provide quick creation of cells – which is obviously crucial for healing.
The researchers found that they could apply this to any mold – meaning that they could create molds to replicate specific implants and give them to patients, which would result in quicker healing [1].
What this means
There is certainly a problem when it comes to healing from dental implants. Even the simplest of implant placements need healing time. There can be some complications from healing too.
Therefore, this research could be excellent. They could be personalized to each patient, and fit their exact teeth measurements. This should result in improvements to dental implant healing.
Lead investigator Michelle Visser, an Associate Professor of Oral Biology at the UB, commented on the findings [4]. Visser said that the team were aware that scaffold materials can “promote bone and skin wound healing” [4]. However, she said that “adaptations for the oral cavity are limited” [4].
But Visser’s team aimed to find a way of connecting Strontium with the oral cavity. Visser said that the scaffolds “represent a system for effective strontium release in the oral cavity” [4].
These positive results could result in an improvement in the healing process for those who get dental implants. It would lead to better treatment outcomes for patients.
Looking ahead, if further tests confirm the effectiveness of these scaffolds, dental professionals will surely aim to utilize them in the future.
Thinking points…
1) Dental implants offer excellent solutions for anyone who wishes to either have a replacement tooth or install a new tooth for cosmetic reasons. Here at Taradale Dental, we offer dental implants. They are easy to fit, low-risk and appear very natural. Moreover, it can result in improved confidence and self-esteem. We would love for you to get in touch with us for a discussion about implants!
2) It is important to remember that the aim with oral health is always prevention over treatment. Therefore, the aim is to avoid the need to ever have implants. The best way to do this is to practice excellent oral health, including brushing and flossing regularly. However, one of the most important parts of strong oral hygiene is to attend regular check-ups, as these offer a dental professional a chance to take a thorough look at your oral health. We recommend booking an appointment now!
What we offer at Taradale Dental
Taradale Dental is a dental clinic based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. At our Calgary dental clinic, we provide a range of services for our patients.
It is very important to have excellent oral hygiene. This involves brushing your teeth at least twice a day, flossing regularly and eating healthily. Therefore, this should help your oral health.
We advise our patients to attend our Calgary dental clinic at least twice per year for a regular dental check-up. At these check-ups, we provide our patients with advice, and look for any problems. If problems are found, we have many treatments available. For example, these include cavity fillings and root canals.
Here at Taradale Dental, we also have some cosmetic treatments available! These include dental implants, teeth whitening and Invisalign™! Many people find that these treatments have a positive impact on their appearance, confidence and self-esteem.
Moreover, all of our services at our Calgary dental clinic Taradale Dental are set in line with the Alberta Dental Fee Guide. This ensures transparent and fair pricing.
We hope to see you soon at our Taradale Dental clinic in Calgary! You can find out more about us by visiting our website https://taradaledental.ca.
References
[1] Alsharif, S. B., Wali, R., Vanyo, S. T., Andreana, S., Chen, K., Sheth, B., Swihart, M. T., Dziak, R., & Visser, M. B. (2022). Strontium-loaded hydrogel scaffolds to promote gingival fibroblast function. Journal of Biomedical Materials Research. 111 (1): p6-14. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/jbm.a.37439.
[2] Miro Dental. (2019). Dental Implants: Facts and Stats. Available: https://mirodentalcenter.com/dental-implants-facts-and-stats/. Last accessed: 24th February 2022.
[3] Grynpas, M. D., Hamilton, E., Cheung, R., Tsouderos, Y., Deloffre, P., Hott, M., & Marie, P. J. (1996). Strontium increases vertebral bone volume in rats at a low dose that does not induce detectable mineralization defect. Bone. 18 (3): p253-259. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/8756-3282(95)00484-X.
[4] The University at Buffalo. (2022). Study: New Customizable, Strontium-filled Scaffold Could Improve Dental Implant Healing. Available: https://www.oralhealthgroup.com/news/study-new-customizable-strontium-filled-scaffold-could-improve-dental-implant-healing-1003970449/. Last accessed: 17th December 2022.
[…] Recent Research Has Found That New Dental Scaffolds Could Positively Impact the Healing Process From Dental Implants. Click the Link To Know More […]