ANTIBACTBIODENTCOMP · Development of novel bactericidal dental bioactive composites for prosthetic restorations

Secondary caries and cement dissolution represent two of the most common reasons of fixed prosthetic restorations failure which are caused by the marginal gap that exists between tooth and restoration, which is open to oral bacteria.The significant research objective of the present research is the prolongation of the lifetime of fixed ceramic restorations, which should be achieved by eliminating secondary caries, avoiding micropenetration of oral bacteria and by supporting healthy periodontal regeneration. To achieve this objective, the proposed research project will develop and introduce in dental clinical practice a new family of composite bioactive materials with antibacterial properties. The planed research work consists of three main tasks: a) development of two different processing protocols (incorporation of silver particles, sol-gel preparation method) for fabricating new bioactive Ag-doped silicate composite materials, b) complete characterization of microstructural properties, antibacterial effects and biological behavior of the newly developed products and c) establishment of the optimum implementation approach for the new dental composites in a clinical setting.With successful completion of the project, new dental materials will be available which are capable of creating a bacterial free environment with the marginal area being kept sealed through the healthy periodontal attachment to the biomaterial, intentionally placed in contact to periodontal ligament.The implementation of the project provides an innovative and interdisciplinary scientific and technological concept. The project results are expected to complement related themes of the FP7 research agenda, with particular impact on the fields; dental health, materials science, microbiology and cell biology. An additional impact will be the professional integration of the applicant to a European university, strengthening quantitatively and qualitatively the human potential in research in Europe.