Identification of a cementum protective plasma process for periodontal therapy

• Applicant: Dr. Ina Koban
• Subject Area: Biomaterials
• Term: from 2012 to 2013
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 221408001

A biocompatible tooth root surface is covered with cementum. Standard mechanical periodontal therapy removes microbially contaminated cementum. One side effect is that some patients suffer from cervical hypersensitivity, a second is that bacteria can colonize the dentinal tubules after the removal of cementum, which may impede healing, and a third that dentin unlike residual cementum does not support cementum regeneration. Studies show that careful cleaning of cementum without removal can achieve very good treatment success. However, these therapies are associated with flap surgery, and are therefore rarely applied. An alternative to mechanical biofilm removal is plasma treatment. In previous studies, my lab has shown that non-invasive plasma processes can be used to treat peri-implantitis, a closely related inflammatory disease, suggesting they may be effective in treating periodontitis. Previous work demonstrates not only an antimicrobial effect but also a surface activating effect with increased spread of human cells on human dentin, thus., our aim is to identify a cementum-protective plasma process. To this end, we will test different plasma devices on contaminated cementum of bovine tooth roots to remove bacteria without destroying cementum. In addition, we will analyze the alteration in surface characteristics after plasma treatment to achieve a more biocompatible surface. Finally, we will study the cell-promoting characteristics of plasma-treated cementum using periodontal ligament (PDL) cells. An early health technology assessment report will be conducted parallel to research work.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants