Every day in the United States, 41,000 people will undergo root canal therapy treatment (RCT) for a diseased or injured tooth to eliminate pain, infection, and potential space for bacterial ingrowth. Unfortunately, conventional RCT does not to restore the tooth vitality, which is necessary to prevent bacterial infiltration, fight infection, and sense injury, and aging of conventional RCT implant materials can lead to future cavities, leaving patients at an increased risk of tooth re-infection and fracture. About 30% of RCT will fail in a patient’s lifetime, requiring more complicated and costly treatment, including false tooth implants or pulling teeth. Revascularization is a promising regenerative RCT alternative but is only clinically viable for children. No therapeutic method or commercial product exists to revitalize RCT treated teeth in adults. Vital-DentTM is the first commercialization-ready regenerative RCT for adults and is designed for off-the-shelf (acellular) use in existing clinical workflows at any dental clinic.
Technology Description
Vital-Dent™ is a revitalizing root canal implant for RCT-treated teeth. It consists of a naturally-derived biomaterial and a chemotactic factor which promote migration of progenitor cells from the peri-apical space into the tooth, stimulate angiogenesis and neurogenesis into the tooth, and foster a pro-remodeling immune response to facilitate these. Similar to conventional RCT fillers, Vital-DentTM is inserted into the canal space, producing vital tissue in the tooth canal that guards against bacterial invasion and tooth injury by restoring sensation, intra-pupal pressure, and immune responsiveness. Compared to conventional RCT, Vital-DentTM will reduce clinical time, number of procedures, and total care cost. Vital-DentTM is an attractive alternate for younger patients seeking to maintain their teeth, and for practitioners wishing to distinguish their practice.Advantages
Regenerates vital root tissue, restoring protective tooth sensations and maintaining a healthy appearance
Prevents bacterial invasion into the tooth chamber
Provides consistent positive outcomes compared to current regenerative RCT
Closer to commercialization than other regenerative RCT treatmentsApplications
Human root canal treatments performed at family, corporate, and university-affiliated practices by general dentists and endodontists
Veterinary root canal treatmentsStage of Development
In vitro proof of concept, pilot in vivo test and refinement of prototypeIP Status
Provisional and PCT applications filedNotable Mentions
Awarded $3,000 prize in the Innovation Institute Pitt Ventures 1st Gear Program
Semi-finalist in Michael G. Wells Competition, 2017
Finalist, Randall Family Big Idea Competition, 2018
Innovation Institute Pitt Ventures 2nd Gear Program Interview ChallengeInnovators
Juan M. Taboas, PhD
Associate Professor, School of Dental Medicine
Department of Oral Biology and Center for Craniofacial Regeneration
Dr. Taboas’ expertise lies in skeletal tissue regeneration, stem cell mechanobiology, tissue engineering scaffolds, microfluids devices, and real-time live-cell microscopy based functional bioassays. His laboratory develops approaches to regenerate cartilaginous interfacial tissues. His current research interests include physeal regeneration and repair in juveniles to treat growth plate injury, skeletal dysplasia, and complex bone injury, dental pulp regeneration and injectable biomaterial in juveniles, extremity regeneration and bone engineering in adults, and microtissue fabrication for drug screening and therapy development. He has received the K01 Research Scientist Developmental Award from the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases and the National Institute of Health.Education
PhD, University of Michigan
MS, University of Michigan
MS, Stanford University
BS, University of MiamiRecent Publications
Bezamat M, et al. Among authors: Taboas JM .Aquaporin locus (12q13.12) might contribute to susceptibility of temporomandibular joint disorder associated with periodontitis. PLoS One. 2020. PMID: 32130259
Zaky SH, et al. Among authors: Taboas J. Effect of the Periapical "Inflammatory Plug" on Dental Pulp Regeneration: A Histologic In Vivo Study. J Endod. 2020. PMID: 31843128
Chen J, et al. Among authors: Taboas JM. Hydrogel to guide chondrogenesis versus osteogenesis of mesenchymal stem cells for fabrication of cartilaginous tissues. Biomed Mater. 2020. PMID: 31470441
Chin AR, et al. Among authors: Taboas JM. Regenerative Potential of Various Soft Polymeric Scaffolds in the Temporomandibular Joint Condyle. J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2018. PMID: 29550379
Boyette LB, et al. Among authors: Taboas JM. Phenotype, function, and differentiation potential of human monocyte subsets. PLoS One. 2017. PMID: 28445506