Making dental fillings last longer and resist decay
Novel polymeric materials with improved durability in the oral environment: tailoring responses to host and bacterial enzymes with anti-proteolytic and ecology-based antimicrobial approaches.
This work aims to create new dental filling materials that resist decay and breaking, helping people keep their fillings for many more years.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Oregon Health & Science University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Portland, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11132675 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Many dental fillings need to be replaced too often because they break down or new decay forms around them. This project is developing new materials for fillings that are much stronger and better at fighting off bacteria that cause cavities. By making these materials resistant to both natural breakdown in the mouth and bacterial attacks, we hope to significantly extend the life of your dental restorations. This means fewer trips to the dentist for replacements and preserving more of your natural tooth structure.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients who currently have or will need dental fillings, especially those prone to recurring decay or whose fillings tend to fail prematurely, could benefit from this research.
Not a fit: Patients who do not require dental fillings or those whose current fillings are already very long-lasting may not directly benefit from this specific material development.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to dental fillings that last much longer, reducing the need for frequent replacements and saving patients money and discomfort.
How similar studies have performed: While current dental materials have limitations, this approach introduces novel anti-proteolytic and antimicrobial strategies to improve durability, building on existing knowledge of material science and oral biology.
Where this research is happening
Portland, United States
- Oregon Health & Science University — Portland, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pfeifer, Carmem S. — Oregon Health & Science University
- Study coordinator: Pfeifer, Carmem S.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.