Investigation of Potential Anti-Microbial Agents Capable of Inhibiting the Growth of Microorganisms Associated with Dental Implantation-related Infections
Author/Creator
Gradin, Collin
Hewitt, Austin
Johanson, Alexis
McCullough, Austin
Rehovsky, Cole
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Statement of Problem: Approximately 500,000 dental implant procedures are performed every year, and this number is growing exponentially [1]. Data have shown that these operations have a failure rate of around 5 percent [2]. Though seemingly low, this rate corresponds to the failure of 25,000 dental implants each year, where a leading cause of implantation failure is attributable to infection-related complications [1]. The economic impact of which has resulted in financial losses that have been estimated at approximately $50 million per year.
Methods: The screening process for identifying chemical agents that exhibit the intended anti-microbial action will be facilitated by the utilization of Biolog® phenotypic microarray plates on oral bacteria. These products will allow for rapid, simultaneous investigation of numerous chemical agents. The inhibitory action exhibited by these agents will be interpreted by measuring the density of bacterial cell growth prior to and after exposure to the chemical agents.
Product: The intention of this experiment is to identify a chemical agent that demonstrates antimicrobial activity against microorganisms associated with dental implant-related infections. The agent must exhibit a minimal level of cytotoxic activity toward native tissues and maintain its intended action once incorporated into an actual dental implant.
Implications: It is hypothesized that integrating an appropriate chemical agent into the design of dental implants has the potential to reduce the incidence of dental implantation rejection, thus reducing financial losses to patients and health care professionals.
[1] Dental Implant Facts and Figures. 2015. American Academy of Implant Dentistry. (12 October 2015) <http://www.aaid.com/about/press_room/dental_implants_faq.html>
[2] Lee Ann Brady, DMD. 16 March 2012. Dental Implant Failure Rate. Lee Ann Brady LLC. (12 October 2015) <http://leeannbrady.com/restorative-dentistry/dental-implant-failure-rate>