Research & Development World

  • R&D World Home
  • Topics
    • Aerospace
    • Automotive
    • Biotech
    • Careers
    • Chemistry
    • Environment
    • Energy
    • Life Science
    • Material Science
    • R&D Management
    • Physics
  • Technology
    • 3D Printing
    • A.I./Robotics
    • Software
    • Battery Technology
    • Controlled Environments
      • Cleanrooms
      • Graphene
      • Lasers
      • Regulations/Standards
      • Sensors
    • Imaging
    • Nanotechnology
    • Scientific Computing
      • Big Data
      • HPC/Supercomputing
      • Informatics
      • Security
    • Semiconductors
  • R&D Market Pulse
  • R&D 100
    • Call for Nominations: The 2025 R&D 100 Awards
    • R&D 100 Awards Event
    • R&D 100 Submissions
    • Winner Archive
    • Explore the 2024 R&D 100 award winners and finalists
  • Resources
    • Research Reports
    • Digital Issues
    • Educational Assets
    • R&D Index
    • Subscribe
    • Video
    • Webinars
  • Global Funding Forecast
  • Top Labs
  • Advertise
  • SUBSCRIBE

Nanoparticles May Offer Alternative to Root Canals

By R&D Editors | February 12, 2015

Could microscopic metal particles hold the key to a novel endodontic treatment method? These tiny nanoparticles could be used to deliver medications deep into a tooth, says Chris Choi, DMD, a prosthodontics resident at the University of Maryland School of Dentistry. Choi recently received a $6,000 grant from the American College of Prosthodontics Education Foundation to examine the implications of using nanoparticles to transport medications into tooth pulp.

The pulp, the soft tissue deep within the root canal system in the center of a tooth, is protected by hard layers of dentin and enamel. When pulp becomes infected or inflamed, an endodontist often treats it by removing the pulp, cleaning the root canal system and then filling and sealing the space. In the case of inflammation, for example, a root canal procedure is often the only option, Choi explains.

Choi, working with research mentor Radi Masri, DDS, MS, PhD, associate professor in the Department of Endodontics, Prosthodontics and Operative Dentistry, is testing the delivery of anti-inflammatory medications through microscopic dentinal tubules within a tooth. For his study, Choi will apply metallic nanoparticles containing anti-inflammatory medication to a prepared rat tooth, and then use magnets to draw the tiny particles through microscopic tubules within the tooth. Choi will then measure changes in inflammation. If the medication is successfully delivered through the tooth into the pulp, it should help reduce the inflammation. “It is exciting to be on the cutting-edge, using nanotechnology, but also combining that technology with a simple tool like a magnet to enhance the delivery,” Choi explains.

Masri laid the groundwork for this area of research through in vitro studies. This latest study is the first step before designing and implementing studies in larger animals and humans, Choi says. He is currently fine-tuning his research model and, armed with this grant, he will soon begin buying materials to start the project. “I will get to see how this procedure might actually translate clinically, and that is very exciting,” says Choi.

Nanoparticles are a hot topic in many areas of health care research, Choi says, and he is eager to explore their applications in reducing hypersensitivity, as well as potentially reducing the need for aggressive endodontic and prosthodontic procedures. This experience has convinced him that research is critical to the advancement of the dental profession. “I have realized that to be a complete clinician, I need to have a research knowledge base,” says Choi. “Going through the entire research process myself, I think it will make me a better clinician because I will be able to think more critically.”

Release Date: February 11, 2015
Source: University of Maryland, Baltimore

 

Related Articles Read More >

5 R&D developments to keep an eye on this week: Solar crash and Trump’s energy pivot meets Musk’s rebellion
Mayo Clinic develops AI tool that can spot 9 dementia types with a single scan
Google DeepMind’s AlphaGenome AI predicts how non-coding DNA can drive disease
Top 10 drugs by patent volume: How biologics build ‘platform empires’ while small molecule create ‘patent thickets’
rd newsletter
EXPAND YOUR KNOWLEDGE AND STAY CONNECTED
Get the latest info on technologies, trends, and strategies in Research & Development.
RD 25 Power Index

R&D World Digital Issues

Fall 2024 issue

Browse the most current issue of R&D World and back issues in an easy to use high quality format. Clip, share and download with the leading R&D magazine today.

Research & Development World
  • Subscribe to R&D World Magazine
  • Enews Sign Up
  • Contact Us
  • About Us
  • Drug Discovery & Development
  • Pharmaceutical Processing
  • Global Funding Forecast

Copyright © 2025 WTWH Media LLC. All Rights Reserved. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of WTWH Media
Privacy Policy | Advertising | About Us

Search R&D World

  • R&D World Home
  • Topics
    • Aerospace
    • Automotive
    • Biotech
    • Careers
    • Chemistry
    • Environment
    • Energy
    • Life Science
    • Material Science
    • R&D Management
    • Physics
  • Technology
    • 3D Printing
    • A.I./Robotics
    • Software
    • Battery Technology
    • Controlled Environments
      • Cleanrooms
      • Graphene
      • Lasers
      • Regulations/Standards
      • Sensors
    • Imaging
    • Nanotechnology
    • Scientific Computing
      • Big Data
      • HPC/Supercomputing
      • Informatics
      • Security
    • Semiconductors
  • R&D Market Pulse
  • R&D 100
    • Call for Nominations: The 2025 R&D 100 Awards
    • R&D 100 Awards Event
    • R&D 100 Submissions
    • Winner Archive
    • Explore the 2024 R&D 100 award winners and finalists
  • Resources
    • Research Reports
    • Digital Issues
    • Educational Assets
    • R&D Index
    • Subscribe
    • Video
    • Webinars
  • Global Funding Forecast
  • Top Labs
  • Advertise
  • SUBSCRIBE