The 'Reconstruction and Regeneration' program aims to strengthen and reconstruct the tooth surface through development of innovative dental materials and products. Existing successful technologies will be used to design new products that can assist in regenerating lost tooth enamel, dentine and tissue, as well as combating common dental issues such as dental caries.
Major project areas are:
The Oral Health CRC is researching new "smart materials", or biomaterials, which can be used to improve tooth restoration. A major focus of this project is to develop an improved and functional glass ionomer cement (GIC) which can remineralise surrounding areas of enamel. Researchers with the Oral Health CRC are also investigating Fuji VII in combination with Recaldent™ technology. When combined these materials have similar properties to dentine (a naturally occurring part of the tooth), but can also protect enamel and dentine when acid challenged.
Dental implants are used to support artificial teeth, when one or more missing teeth need to be removed. Researchers within the Oral Health CRC are investigating better systems to regenerate bone following periodontal disease and tooth loss, which will allow better and more successful dental implants to take place. Researchers are also investigating how inflammation of tissue can be controlled during dental implant procedures, to increase the success rates of implants.
Tissue inflammation is a response to injury which is designed to minimise local damage. Most of this is short-lived but it can become persistent, with swelling, redness, heat, pain and loss of function. Chronic inflammation occurs in many diseases such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes and kidney disease. Researchers with the Oral Health CRC are investigating the role of tissue inflammation in periodontal disease and links with systemic diseases. By understanding and distinguishing the patients inflammatory response, researchers are aiming to develop treatment options to effectively manage the inflammation.
The program will feature opportunities and challenges, ethical and social aspects of accessing health information over the internet, access and engagement, and examples of..
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