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Dental Research Institute (DRI)
Institute theme: Biomaterials
Research in the biomaterials theme is active in the classical dentistry fields
of restorative dentistry, prosthodontics, endodontics, periodontics, oral surgery,
as well as other health care fields of relevance to biofilm research, combination
materials (drug/biomaterial); new tissue adhesive technologies; lasers in diagnostics
and treatment; and tissue regeneration.
There are 21 investigators involved in the theme with strong collaborations to the University Hospital Network and the Institute for Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering at the University of Toronto. There research distribution is 35% clinical, 30 applied commercial and 35% fundamental science. Their success in translating scientific knowledge into inventions and clinical products is a key strength and has led to the establishment of several biotechnology start-up companies in the Toronto region and an implant device company with multi-million dollar gross sales annually.
The names of investigators who are members of the Graduate Department of Dentistry and who are currently supervising M.Sc. and/or Ph.D. students are indicated with an asterisk (*).
Investigators
Bettina Basrani
In vitro and In vivo evaluation of the effect of different irrigant solutions and intracanal medications in endodontics.
C. Clokie *
Integration of implantable biomaterials in bone. The ultimate goal of this
work will be the development of a bone implant/graft that will replace the
need for autogenous bone. The majority of this work is carried out as either
applied research or clinical trials.
J.E. Davies *
Interfacial reactions between bone tissue and implant materials, specifically
the induction of calcium phosphate deposition by osteoblastic cells at the
implant surface. Leaching of metal ions from the implants.
D.A. Deporter *
Clinical testing of porous-coated bone-interfacing implants. Effects of surface
geometry and surface chemistry of implants on optimal bone healing and subsequent
remodelling.
W. El-Badrawy
Bonded amalgam restorations and their ability to strengthen the restored tooth
structure. Effect of home-use fluorides on resin-modified glass ionomer materials.
O. El-Mowafy *
Characteristics, placement and performance of resin composite restorations.
Innovative utilization of resin cements. Performance of resin-bonded fixed
partial dentures with modified designs.
A.H. Fenton
Use of machined titanium in prostheses. Prospective clinical trials of cast
fixed and removable dental and implant prostheses.
Y. Finer *
D. McComb
In-vitro and in-vivo investigation of new restorative biomaterials and systems
to analyse efficacy, physical and biological properties, usage factors and
longevity.
R.M. Pilliar *
Development of bio-compatible, load-bearing, bone-interfacing, surgical implants.
Investigation of both so-called inert and biodegradable materials.
J.P. Santerre *
Kinetics
of enzyme-induced degradation of polymers (i.e. polymethacrylates, polyethylene,
polyurethanes) and the interactions of polymers and polymer-derived degradation
products with leukocytes, tissue remodelling and bacterial cells. Development
of new polymer-based technologies to deliver therapeutic agents to targeted
sites.
C.Simmons
Cellular mechanobiology, biomechanics, and tissue engineering. Approaches
integrate experimental and computational biomechanics with cellular and
molecular biology. Current applications include stem cell-based tissue
engineering, heart valve calcification, and MEMS-based technologies for
high throughput mechanobiology.
Eli Sone
Biomineralization. Organic-mineral interactions in biological systems. Control of mineralization and ultrastructure of the periodontal ligament-cementum junction. Mechanisms of zebra mussel adhesion
L. Tam* R. Todescan
Testing of dental
restorative materials, including restorative composites and the effects of
vital tooth bleaching. Fracture toughness testing and characterization of the
dentin-composite interface.