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Re:Researchers create gel that regrows tooth enamel (2015) by fractallyte on Thursday December 29, 2016 @02:56AM (#13276203)
Having worked at a dental implant startup in Vienna (http://www.bioimplant.at/), I've experienced first-hand the obstacles that prevent new treatments and technology from reaching the patient.

In summary: here is an 'immediate' dental implant requiring no drilling or bone augmentation (ie. surgery-free), that can be placed in minutes, and - once healed in - has no risk of future infection (peri-implantitis). Clinically proven over 10 years. Revolutionary, right?

No top-end journal is willing to publish papers on this topic. (We surmise that the implant industry profits too much from existing treatments.) We've approached several popular science magazines with article proposals; declined. Reached out to journalists, no response.

The only real publicity so far has been through word-of-mouth and SEO. It's a baffling (and somewhat disgraceful) situation. There are hundreds, if not thousands, of patients suffering needlessly every year, and a solution exists - but where is the bridge that can connect them?

Re:Researchers create gel that regrows tooth enamel (2015) by JPLeRouzic on Thursday December 29, 2016 @03:59AM (#13276379)
If I was in your boots I would talk to Health insurance companies. They fight hard to reduce health costs (and increase their own revenues). They also know how to lobby, which is certainly mandatory in the health industry.

Some of them have their own clinics and can even fund research.

For example in France: https://www.lamutuellegenerale.fr/qui-sommes-nous/fondation/...

Re:Researchers create gel that regrows tooth enamel (2015) by threatofrain on Thursday December 29, 2016 @03:13AM (#13276250)
For what reasons were top-end journals unwilling to publish on even just the topic, and for what reasons were researchers completely ignoring communication attempts?
Re:Researchers create gel that regrows tooth enamel (2015) by fractallyte on Thursday December 29, 2016 @11:41AM (#13278274)
The articles - follow-ups on anatomic implant cases - were rejected mostly with the excuse that they didn't fall into the journal's area of interest. (I don't have access to the actual letters at the moment; I hope they're eventually published on the website.) We're talking here about top journals such as the International Journal of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery. (Not their area of interest? Seriously?!)

More worrying yet were responses from implantologists and dentists on community sites such as Dentaltown. There was a shocking level of ignorance about osseointegration and zirconia, and a belittling attitude to such a 'newfangled' treatment. (Of course, it didn't help that the CEO on our side has a very low tolerance threshold, and expresses himself with typical Austrian directness - to put it mildly...)

Re:Researchers create gel that regrows tooth enamel (2015) by jstanley on Thursday December 29, 2016 @08:01AM (#13277026)
I got a titanium implant a couple of years ago, and I've never heard of your company.

I had a look around your website and I really hope you're successful with it.

If I had heard of you when I was getting the implant, I would certainly have considered your service (assuming it's available where I am - there's no obvious way to find out?).

Re:Researchers create gel that regrows tooth enamel (2015) by projektfu on Thursday December 29, 2016 @07:11AM (#13276875)
Contact me. I'd be interested in introducing this to the veterinary space if it is truly at low risk of infection.
Re:Researchers create gel that regrows tooth enamel (2015) by rihegher on Thursday December 29, 2016 @04:28AM (#13276449)
I have absolutely no knowledge about this but my doctor told me that ceramic implant were not yet ready to replace titanium ones
Re:Researchers create gel that regrows tooth enamel (2015) by fractallyte on Thursday December 29, 2016 @12:10PM (#13278460)
Zirconia (ceramic) has been used extensively in implants, and is clinically proven. To be sure, it hasn't been around as long as titanium, but that's just pedantry.

Titanium and zirconia both osseointegrate (bond to bone) extremely well. However, titanium is grey and this discoloration shows through gums. Zirconia is white - like a real tooth - so it's much better esthetically.

Some people turn out to be allergic to titanium. Zirconia is the best choice in such cases. (Zirconia is arguably the most biocompatible of all implant materials.)

There's a lot of medical literature about ceramic implants, but you can be assured that it's definitely at least on a par with titanium implants.

Re:Researchers create gel that regrows tooth enamel (2015) by cerebrum on Thursday December 29, 2016 @07:15AM (#13276889)
Do you have any information on the latest in dental fillings? What is the best way of dealing with cavities?
Re:Researchers create gel that regrows tooth enamel (2015) by fractallyte on Thursday December 29, 2016 @11:56AM (#13278357)
The best way of dealing with cavities is to do your darndest not to get them in the first place! (Although: read below...) Stay away from sugary and starchy foods that stick to teeth. Don't expose teeth to mixtures of sugar and acid (such as sodas).

Brush teeth carefully once a day: small, circular motions that cover every tooth surface; it's the mechanical action that removes food debris and plaque. A light touch is crucial, so you don't damage gums. Spend about 15-20 minutes on this in the evening, either while watching TV, reading, or just lying back in bed. Don't floss too often, because that can also damage gums.

Anecdote: I had a small cavity on a rear molar. I completely stopped chewing on that side for 2-3 months(!). During that time I dramatically increased my intake of calcium (yogurt, milk, green vegetables, supplements). When I later returned to normal chewing, the cavity was healed. From the medical literature I've read, this doesn't happen. But in my case, it most certainly did happen.

Re:Researchers create gel that regrows tooth enamel (2015) by cerebrum on Friday December 30, 2016 @01:27AM (#13282919)
How big was the cavity? Did you actually have that checked by a dentist?

Also while I agree that the best is not to get the cavity in the first place, what do you do once you have it? What is the latest technology in filler material and treatment?

Re:Researchers create gel that regrows tooth enamel (2015) by fractallyte on Saturday December 31, 2016 @03:03AM (#13290078)
It was minor, not checked by a dentist.

I don't know about the latest tech, unfortunately. The doctor I worked with is a maxillofacial surgeon; any case requiring fillings would probably get referred to a regular dentist!

Re:Researchers create gel that regrows tooth enamel (2015) by edem on Thursday December 29, 2016 @04:19AM (#13276423)
And how can you be contacted and your revolutionary methods used?
Re:Researchers create gel that regrows tooth enamel (2015) by justinclift on Thursday December 29, 2016 @04:36AM (#13276471)
The website he links to has contact info on it, if that helps. :)
Re:Researchers create gel that regrows tooth enamel (2015) by greenhatman on Thursday December 29, 2016 @01:22PM (#13278947)
Would it help if everyone ask their dentists about it?
Re:Researchers create gel that regrows tooth enamel (2015) by fractallyte on Saturday December 31, 2016 @03:05AM (#13290085)
Certainly! There's a 'Crowdfund' page on the website that urges people to make their dentists aware of this treatment: http://www.bioimplant.at/crowdfund/
Re:Researchers create gel that regrows tooth enamel (2015) by beepboopbeep on Thursday December 29, 2016 @08:57AM (#13277253)
This would be revolutionary for ectodermal dysplasia...