Researchers at the University of Cincinnati have developed a lateral flow assay that can detect bacterial toxins from Porphyromonas gingivalis, the causative bacteria for gingivitis. The technology could make it easier and faster to identify early-stage gingivitis, which can lead to periodontitis and eventual tooth loss, as well as contributing to (Read more...)
Tag: Dentistry
Organoids Produce Tooth Enamel Proteins
Researchers at the University of Washington School of Medicine have developed a method to create stem cell-derived organoids that can produce tooth enamel proteins. The breakthrough could pave the way for lab grown enamel that can be used in dental repairs and may even allow for living fillings or completely new living teeth that can […]
Magnetic Microrobots Assist with Root Canal Treatment
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have developed a microrobot system that can help with biofilm disruption, drug delivery, and sample retrieval, all within the restrictive space of the root canal. It can be difficult for dentists to know if they have removed all the infectious material when performing a root canal, and failure to [&hell (Read more...)
Light-Activated Hydrogel Disrupts Oral Biofilms, Whitens Teeth
Researchers at Nanchang University in China developed a photodynamic hydrogel treatment for teeth that disrupts bacterial biofilms, helps to prevent cavities, and whitens teeth. The gel is applied to the teeth and is then activated using green light, which is less harsh on nearby skin than the high intensity blue light that is sometimes used [&hell (Read more...)
Magnetic Microrobots to Brush and Floss Teeth
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have developed a technique to manipulate magnetic microrobots into bristle and string shaped-structures that can brush and floss teeth. The iron oxide nanoparticle-based microrobots also activate hydrogen peroxide to release bacteria-killing free radicals to further target bacterial populations in the m (Read more...)
Hemostasis on Contact: Interview with Joe Landolina, CEO of Cresilon
Cresilon, a New York-based medtech company, specializes in developing hemostatic technology. Its co-founder and CEO, Joe Landolina, created a plant-based hemostatic gel that can stop bleeding very rapidly when applied to a wound. Landolin developed the gel when he was just seventeen, and has spent the years since building the company to bring it an (Read more...)
Optical Probe Measures Dental Plaque Acidity
A team at the University of Washington have developed an optical probe that can detect the acidity of dental plaque. The acidity created by bacteria within plaque causes cavities, and knowing which areas of the teeth are particularly acidic could help dentists to predict where cavities are likely to arise. The knowledge could help someone [… (Read more...)
Iron Oxide Nanoparticles Suppress Oral Biofilms
Collaborators from University of Pennsylvania and Indiana University have tested a ‘”nanozyme” system designed to reduce dental plaque. The technology consists of iron oxide nanoparticles that are applied to tooth enamel before a follow-up rinse of hydrogen peroxide. The nanoparticles act as an “enzyme” to activate the (Read more...)
Smart Dental Implant Resists Bacteria and Generates Electricity
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania created a dental implant that resists bacterial growth and generates electricity thanks to its piezoelectric properties. The generated electricity could power a light source for on-board phototherapy, a technique that could help protect gum tissue from disease and inflammation. The implant contains disc (Read more...)
LightForce Orthodontics, Maker of 3D Printed Braces, Raises $14M Series B
The orthodontics market is expected to realize significant growth in the coming years with projected growth to $9.72 billion by 2026 ($4.06 billion in 2018). Technology advancement in the industry has largely been driven by invisible, clear aligners that can be removed for eating and cleaning. Aligners progressively reposition teeth through control (Read more...)
Synthetic Melanin Protects from Radiation Damage
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a new biomaterial, selenomelanin, that can help protect people from radiation. The new substance, chemically synthesized and produced by bacteria, helps protect cells from radiation more effectively than other forms of melanin. One day, it may be used in sunscreens, medical treatments, or for lo (Read more...)
AiRTouch Portable X-Ray Receives FDA Clearance, Can Be Used for COVID Diagnosis
Aspenstate announced that it has received FDA clearance for the AiRTouch, a lightweight portable X-ray system that could be particularly useful for quickly obtaining chest X-rays of COVID-19 patients. The handheld device weighs in at 5.5 pounds (2.5 Kg) and resembles a large digital camera with a touchscreen. AiRTouch acquires images with the (Read more...)
Y-Brush Automatically Brushes Teen in 10 Seconds
At the ongoing CES 2020 gathering in Las Vegas we stopped by the booth of Y-Brush, an unusual new toothbrush that supposedly cleans the teeth in about ten seconds. It uses sonic vibrations to penetrate deep between the teeth and can be used by adults and children. Here’s a company rep telling us about this […]
Colgate Unveils Toothbrush That Can Spot Bacterial Biofilm on Teeth
Colgate, the toothpaste people, are at this year’s CES event in Las Vegas showing off a smart electric toothbrush that is actually capable of detecting bacterial biofilm buildup on your teeth. The Plaqless Pro toothbrush can point to where the infestation is occurring, giving people actionable information they can use to give attention to are (Read more...)
Formlabs Commits to Dental Industry Offerings with Launch of Formlabs Dental and Form 3B Printer
According to market research firm Key Group, Formlabs is the most installed 3D printer for all sizes of dental labs. The global company currently provides professional 3D printing hardware and digital fabrication services across a range of industries from healthcare, including dental and audiology, to entertainment and education. Doubling down on i (Read more...)
Medgadget Tours Poland and Its Medtech Scene
On September 1, 1939, German forces under the command of Hitler invaded Poland, marking the official start of World War II. Hundreds of thousands of Polish civilians were massacred, and much of the country, including 80% of the capital city of Warsaw, was completely leveled. But the country, despite Nazi and Soviet occupation, recovered and [&helli (Read more...)
Epica SeeFactorCT3 Multi-Modality System Wins FDA Clearance
Epica, a company based in San Clemente, California, won FDA clearance for its SeeFactorCT3 system that combines computed tomography (CT), fluoroscopy, and digitial radiography (DR) into a single device. It is intended for use in diagnostic, interventional, and intraoperative procedures mostly involving the head, neck, and extremities. As such, it i (Read more...)
Microscopic Robots Scrape at Bacterial Biofilms to Clean Teeth
Anyone unaware of what biofilms are should know that brushing one’s teeth and receiving regular dental cleanings are recommended primarily to fight bacterial biofilms. Bacteria group together and protect themselves with a unique shield that biological and chemical methods have difficulty penetrating. The stuff is so persistent that dentists u (Read more...)
Self-Adhesive Drug-Eluting Patch to Treat Mouth Ulcers
Researchers at the University of Sheffield, UK and the Danish company Dermtreat have jointly developed an innovative patch, known as the Rivelin, to improve treatment for mouth ulcers. The patch allows for highly-targeted treatment of ulcers with steroids and other drugs, while providing a protective barrier around the affected area. Current treatm (Read more...)
Proteins Recruited to Build Synthetic Enamel for Dental Applications
Enamel, the exterior layer of teeth that gives us the strength to eat things tougher than mashed potatoes, doesn’t regenerate once lost. That’s why you shouldn’t be using your teeth as scissors or pliars. But researchers at the Queen Mary University of London have now developed a way to make materials that share many remarkable [& (Read more...)