A German Pharmaceutical company, DMG Chemisch-Pharmazeutische Fabrik GmbH, awarded Ariene Leme-Kraus, assistant professor in Operative Dentistry, and Erica Teixeira, associate professor and head of Operative Dentistry, a $10,000 grant for their project, “Marginal integrity evaluation of glass-ionomer based restorative materials by micro-permeability of the material/dentin interface.”

For older adults, it is common for small areas of roots of teeth to become exposed. When exposed, the roots become a possible site for caries to develop. Unfortunately, treating root caries is difficult because many conventional restorative dental materials do not adhere well to the roots of teeth. Furthermore, root caries tend to spread and can affect the overall structure of the tooth and cause significant pain.

Leme-Kraus and Teixeira are investigating a new dental material developed by DMG that may be an effective tool for treating and restoring teeth affected by root caries. Its mechanical and adhesive properties may aid in the tooth and restorative material interface and allow for continuous fluoride release to the surrounding areas. This novel glass-ionomer will be compared with other commonly used restorative materials, and the team will evaluate the marginal integrity of restored cavities to determine the relative effectiveness of this new material.  

This project highlights some of the exciting research in geriatric dental care at the college, and it is an excellent example of how the college partners with industry to meet the needs of industry while improving the science behind our clinical practices.