Portfolio

Dieses von der Gebert Rüf Stiftung geförderte Projekt wird von folgenden weiteren Projektpartnern mitgetragen: Innogrant (EPFL); ETH Zürich Foundatio, PioneerFellowship; different dental institutes at universities in Switzerland and abroad; Venture.ch; VentureKick.

Projektdaten

Projekt-Nr: GRS-023/17
Förderbeitrag: CHF 250'000
Bewilligung: 04.07.2018
Dauer: 09.2018 - 12.2019
Handlungsfeld: Pilotprojekte, 1998 - 2018

Projektleitung

PhD/MSc Andreas Schmocker
ETH Zürich
Professur für Anorganische Chemie
Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 1-5/10
8093 Zürich (Schweiz)
andschmo@ethz.notexisting@nodomain.comch

Abstract

We have developed a unique technology to build up centimeter-sized implants inside the body through a needle or a catheter of a few hundred micrometers. Our first application is an endodontic root canal filler. Annually, more than 200 million root canal treatments are performed by dentists worldwide due to infections within the root canal or in the vicinity of the root apex. In Switzerland alone, about 700’000 such treatments are performed each year. However, the success rate of endodontic treatments ranges between 62 and 83%, which is extremely low for a dental treatment especially considering our increased life expectancies. In 17 to 38% of the cases, the endodontic treatment fails within 6 years, in which case the patient has do undergo retreatments or eventually, loses the tooth. The major shortcomings of conventional endodontic treatment methods are the high rates of reinfection, incomplete sealing of the root canal or the root-end or insufficient cleaning of the canal. Furthermore, canal enlargements using files for the subsequent root filling materials weaken the tooth and often lead to a fracture of the root over time. Currently, endodontists use rubber (Gutta Percha) to seal the root canal. This material was first introduced in 1867, but lacks adhesion to root dentin and cannot be placed ideally into the complex, branched root canal system, which is a major cause for the failure of root canal treatments. We have developed a 100-µm thick optical probe and a light-active material, which can be used to tackle the above-mentioned drawbacks. The material is very easy to use and can be injected into the tiniest interspaces within the tooth, thus providing a much better sealing than conventional materials. The use of our technology can ultimately increase the success rate of root canal treatments and thus help to preserve the natural teeth. The goal of this project is the development of a final medical device prototype of the injectable, sterile filler and the corresponding illumination apparatus for the in vivo proof of concept and approval by authorities.

Was ist das Besondere an diesem Projekt?

Our primary goal is to provide the dentists with a reliable tool to decrease the failure rate of root canal treatments and thus contribute to minimally invasive dentistry. This will allow patients to keep their natural teeth longer and avoid complicated and expensive implant surgeries. Furthermore, the chairside time required for an endodontic treatment is expected to decrease by one third, leading to economic benefits for the patient and the clinician. It thus reduces the overall healthcare costs, while giving more people access to restorative dental procedures. It also has to be noted that dental implants replacing natural teeth often lead to an inflammation around the implants, the so-called peri-implantitis, which potentially affects the general health of the aging population. Therefore, preserving the natural tooth through root canal treatment, without secondary inflammation or root/tooth fractures for as long as possible will avoid not only costly implant surgeries but also implant related inflammations.

Stand/Resultate

Following our PhDs in biomechanics, photonics and photochemistry we have developed the required set of building blocks for photopolymerized implants. Over the last two years we tailored a material formulation to fit with the requirements of an endodontic sealer. To bring this product to the market, we need a solid, in-vivo proof of concept which will be achieved via the support of the Gebert Rüf foundation.

Publikationen

None to date

Medienecho

Innogrant, December 2016
Venutre.ch, June 2017
VentureKick, November 2017
PioneerFellowship, February 2018
Bilan, June 2018

Links

Lumendo

Am Projekt beteiligte Personen

Mark Bispinhoff, Pioneer Fellow at ETH and CTO of Lumendo
Hansjörg Grützmahcer, Prof. at ETH
Mutlu Özcan, Prof. at UZH, project partner
Christine Rüegg, secretary at ETH

Letzte Aktualisierung dieser Projektdarstellung 17.06.2019

PORTFOLIO

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Handlungsfelder

Jahr

BactoSeal

Redaktion

Kooperation