Novel Polymer Matrix for Dental Applications

Project SummaryAbstract Dental caries are the most common childhood disease in the United StatesDental sealants are materials that are applied to the pits and fissures of healthy teeth to prevent dental caries or other forms of decayThis method prevents bacteria ingress and acid dissolution and targets the portions of the tooth surface whereof the decay developsSealants are safe and effective in preventing caries on both primary and permanent teethandgtreduction in caries on the sealed surfaceThe application of sealants is minimally invasivepainless and is typically well accepted by patientsand sealants reduce overall dental care costsTwo major classes of materials have been used as sealantsglass ionomers and resins based sealantsGlass ionomers release fluoride that provides some antimicrobial and re mineralization activityhowever they have a higher water uptakepoorer retention and higher micro leakage scoresPhoto curable methacrylate based resins have better retention but failures rates are still unacceptably highthey de bond and chip off the tooth surface within a few years from application and don t last through childhoodA significant increase of the sealant s lifetime is required to make this preventive treatment more cost effectivePremature sealant loss reduces the effectiveness of this preventive treatment and it is one of the reasons why it is underused in the U Swhere less thanof children receive itIt is believed that poor retention of methacrylate based sealants is due to a combination of hydrolytic degradation of the polymer matrix and mechanical failureespecially related to fatigue under the forces of masticationThe dental profession awaits the development of a modernmore durableresin based sealantThis research will develop a novel polymer matrix for sealants that is characterized by excellent mechanical properties but is not physically degraded by hydrolysis in the oral environmentIn Phase I we obtained proof of concept for the synthesis and performance of our new sealant monomer conceptIn Phase II we will transition our new materials beyond this earliest stage of discoveryso that their clinical and commercial potential can be realizedAside from improving pediatric healththe economic stakes for U Shealth services are staggeringMedicaid dental expenditures for children alone is projected to increase from $billion into more than $billion inSince the majority of this spending is for treating cariesthe development of a new class of durableexpanded lifetime dental sealant materials that provide more effective and more widely adopted prevention could significantly reduce these expensesIf sealants with an optimal retention rate are developedthe cost of this preventive treatment will be low compared to its benefitespecially considering that implementation can be carried out by adjunct dental personnel in private dental offices or off site public health initiativesThe need for novel and improved dental sealants is therefore significantFurtherthe demand for pit and fissure sealants is expected to growth by more thanannuallydriven by increased acceptance by dentists and patients Project NarrativePublic Health Relevance Statement Public Health Relevance StatementNew dental sealants with improved durability and greater longevity are neededIn this project we are creatingtesting and validating a new type of polymer material for dental sealant formulations that will significantly improve sealant performanceOur work will positively benefit the preventative dental health of patients and will lower long term dental healthcare costs