NIH-funded research R01 grant

Improving tooth pulp healing and preventing infections

Official title: Angiogenic and anti-microbial supports for pulp regeneration

Funded at New Jersey Institute of Technology · NIH-11018532 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is exploring a new way to help heal damaged tooth nerves and prevent infections using a special gel that can be injected into the tooth, which could be great news for anyone who has had problems with their dental pulp.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionNew Jersey Institute of Technology
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Newark, United States)
Project startFebruary 23, 2022
Project endJanuary 31, 2027
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$587,065
NIH project number5R01DE031812-04
Project IDNIH-11018532 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are individuals aged 21 and younger who have experienced trauma or infection affecting their dental pulp.

Less likely to help

Patients with fully devitalized teeth or those who are older than 21 may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing a new material to help regenerate dental pulp tissue while preventing bacterial infections. The approach involves using self-assembling peptide hydrogels that can be injected into the tooth, providing both structural support and biological signals to promote healing. By targeting the dental pulp, which can become inflamed due to trauma or infection, this research aims to restore the tooth's vitality and function. Patients who have experienced dental pulp issues may benefit from this innovative treatment.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved healing of dental pulp and reduced pain for patients with pulp injuries or infections.

How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using similar biomaterials for tissue regeneration, indicating potential success for this approach.

Where this research is happening

  • New Jersey Institute of Technology
    Newark, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Kumar, Vivek — New Jersey Institute of Technology
  • Study coordinator: Kumar, Vivek

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About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.