Dental implants are considered a way to restore missing teeth. However, they do have a cosmetic element, as the biocompatible titanium posts include porcelain prosthetic teeth that look and feel natural. Dental implants have a high success rate because an experienced dentist won’t perform the surgery if you are not a viable candidate. However, when they do fail, it can be a great disappointment. Michigan Technological University scientist Tolou Shokuhfar wants to help patients avoid this issue. Highland Park cosmetic dentist, Dr. Brent Engelberg, will shed light on some recent research on this topic.
Technology for Higher Success Rate
Tolou Shokuhfar says, “There are two main issues that concern dentists: infection and separation from the bone.” Your mouth is full of bacteria – some good and some dangerous. In the wrong environment, your jawbone can fail to heal securely around the dental implant rods. Once your jawbone has been through the trauma of surgery, a second round of implants can be difficult and expensive. That is why Mr. Shokuhfar and his team are studying titanium dioxide nanotubes. Partnering with Cortino Sukotjo, a clinical assistant professor at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) College of Dentistry, TiO2 nanotubes were coated around a titanium implant. The amazing thing is that not only did the nanotubes prove to be non-toxic to cells but they actually elicited new growth in the jawbone. What this means, in laymen’s terms, is an even higher rate of dental implant success in the future, if this technology takes off.
Thwarting Infection and Aiding in Comfort
Taking nanotube technology a step further, Mr. Shokuhfar’s team, in collaboration with Alexander Yarin, a professor in UIC’s Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, are looking at using TiO2s to administer drugs directly to the tissues in your mouth following dental implant surgery. Anti-inflammatory drugs such as sodium naproxen could be gradually released, reducing swelling and healing time, and providing comfort to patients. Medication administered in this way can reduce the chances of the unpleasant side effects that cane result when the same pharmaceuticals are taken orally or injected. Furthermore, the TiO2 nanotubes can be laced with silver nanoparticles to deter infection.
Dental implants from Highland Park Dentist
Your cosmetic dentist in Highland Park offers dental implants. To schedule a consultation, you can reach our 60035 dentist office at 847-259-8030. We are happy to serve patients in Northbrook, Deerfield, Highland Park, Wilmette, Winnetka, Glencoe, Vernon Hills, Lincolnshire, Libertyville, Skokie, Evanston, Palatine, Schaumburg, Elk Grove Village, Rolling Meadows, Northwest Chicago Suburbs, and Northern Chicago Suburbs.
