Research Areas
The Dental Technology Center (DenTeC) conducts research and performs scientific evaluations to advance the application of new technologies and techniques in dental and craniofacial treatments. Emphasis is placed on developing innovations that are clinically relevant and will provide low-cost, high-quality care for all patients.
Research activities include:
- Fundamental research
- Applied research with direct application to dentistry
- Evaluation of innovative technologies to identify potential application in dentistry
Research areas:
| Technology | What it is | Application | Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biotechnology | Surface modification to improve implant osseointegration | Shortens time of osseointegration, immediate loading | Quicker tooth replacement |
| Bone and connective tissue grafts | Repair of bony defects and augmentation | Restores form and function | |
| Tissue engineered constructs (bone, TMJ, neuro-tissue, meniscus) | Repair of build bone, TMJ, neuro-tissue, meniscus | Improved biocompatibility | |
| Integration of biological tissue with nano-engineered materials | Grafts in craniofacial and dental surgery | Improved long term viability of implants | |
| Nanotechnology & Materials | Functional materials | ||
| Characterization | Evaluation and analysis of material properties | Improve performance & long term function | |
| Mechanical properties | Polishability of restorative material | Improved strength and esthetics Better wear properties |
|
| Optical properties | Reflective characteristics of the tooth | Improved esthetics | |
| Coated nanoparticles | Time release properties | Longer effects of desired properties | |
| Nanostructured films | Enhance cellular response (surface of implants) | Provides a more natural environment for growth | |
| Diagnostics & Imaging | Biophotonics | Surface topology and sub-surface diagnostics | Enhanced early detection of disease |
| Multi-spectral imaging | Fuses multiple image sources (pan, ceph, digital photograph, bite analysis) | Enhanced early detection of disease | |
| Tissue remodeling | Targeted growth, integration, or removal of tissue | Minimally evasive treatment | |
| Spectroscopy | Disease detection and cellular tissue analysis | Advanced diagnostic data | |
| Biomechanical simulation | Image enhancement and decision aides | Comprehensive diagnostic data | |
| Dental and Craniofacial Cone Beam Computed Tomography | Volumetric data for dental and craniofacial imaging | Advanced diagnostics, treatment planning and surgical assistance | |
| Nanoparticles | Disease detection (cancer and caries) | Early detection of disease | |
| Instrumentation | 3D scaffolds for bio-/nano-engineered constructs | Biologically engineered prosthesis | Better integration |
| CAD/CAM | |||
| In-office systems for rapid prototyping | Automated fabrication of restorations and prosthetics | Reduce time (increase efficiency) | |
| In-office steriolythic models | Medical models | Treatment planning and surgical guides | |
| Materials delivery systems | Flow control systems | Significantly reduces shrinkage | |
| Multi-model therapeutic instrumentation | All-in-One lasers, abrasion | Integrated systems | |
| Wireless communications and software | Imaging and data transport | Portability | |
| Ergonomics and environmental safety | Noise control and chair/delivery design | OSHA and comfort |