Vital-Dent for Regenerating Tooth Pulp

Commercialization of the Vital-Dent Regenerative Pulp Therapy

NIH-funded research Vic Foundry, INC. · NIH-11159602

This project aims to make available a new hydrogel material called Vital-Dent that helps children and young adults regrow healthy tooth pulp after severe injuries or decay.

Quick facts

Grant typeSbir 2 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionVic Foundry, INC. NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Fayetteville, United States)
Project IDNIH-11159602 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

Many children and young adults experience severe tooth injuries or decay, often leading to treatments that don't fully preserve the tooth's natural health. Vital-Dent is a special hydrogel designed to help regenerate vital pulp tissue throughout the tooth canal. This acellular, drug-free gel is placed into the tooth and then hardened with light, acting as a barrier to inflammation and supporting the natural regrowth of pulp. The goal is to improve tooth retention, make teeth stronger, and help them resist future infections.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: This approach is designed for children and young adults, particularly those with immature permanent teeth, who have experienced severe tooth injuries or extensive decay.

Not a fit: Patients with minor tooth issues, fully developed adult teeth without severe damage, or those seeking purely cosmetic dental work would not directly benefit from this regenerative treatment.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this could help children and young adults keep their natural teeth longer, prevent fractures, and reduce the risk of future infections after severe tooth damage.

How similar studies have performed: Existing treatments for severe tooth damage in young patients have limitations, and this novel hydrogel aims to overcome those challenges by promoting true pulp regeneration.

Where this research is happening

Fayetteville, 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.
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.