Improving tooth repair with a new dental cement that releases metformin

Targeting the AMPK pathway to enhance dentin repair with novel metformin-releasing dental cements

['FUNDING_R21'] · UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND BALTIMORE · NIH-10657804

This study is testing a new dental cement that releases a medication called metformin to help your teeth heal better after injuries or cavities by encouraging your body's natural healing cells to regenerate the hard tissue beneath your enamel, making dental care easier and more affordable for you.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R21']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND BALTIMORE (nih funded)
Locations1 site (BALTIMORE, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10657804 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research focuses on enhancing the repair of dentin, the hard tissue beneath the enamel of teeth, by using a novel dental cement that releases metformin. The approach aims to stimulate the body's own dental pulp stem cells to regenerate dentin and preserve the vitality of the pulp, especially after injuries or deep cavities. By developing a more affordable and effective bioactive material, the research seeks to provide a better alternative to existing treatments that can be costly and time-consuming. Patients may benefit from less invasive procedures and improved dental health outcomes.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults with damaged or decayed teeth who require dental repair treatments.

Not a fit: Patients with healthy teeth or those who do not require dental interventions may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and affordable treatments for tooth repair, reducing the need for invasive dental procedures.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in using bioactive materials for dental repair, indicating potential success for this novel approach.

Where this research is happening

BALTIMORE, UNITED STATES

Researchers

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 below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.