Proactive and Interceptive Treatment for Incipient Dental Caries

Biomedical Engineering

Sofia Campagnuolo, Taylor Giles, Ella Starr, Kendall Triplett, Selma Vazquez

Abstract

Dental caries remain one of the most common chronic oral health conditions worldwide, often progressing to cavities that require restorative treatments such as fillings. Traditional intervention methods typically begin after significant enamel damage has occurred, creating a need for earlier, less invasive treatment options. To combat this problem, DentaNova has developed DentaDefend, a two part product that is designed to target incipient caries through remineralization before costly and invasive restorative procedures become necessary. The proposed system utilizes a modified electric toothbrush platform with two custom attachments: a flosser attachment for interproximal lesions and a micro brush attachment for lesions on the surface of the teeth. The biomaterial formula consists of nano-hydroxyapatite to support enamel remineralization and bismuth oxide to provide radiopacity for future imaging verification.

Prototype development focused on attachment compatibility, biomaterial remineralization, lesion-site accessibility, and user ergonomics. Testing demonstrated that the device could successfully access multiple tooth surfaces while maintaining attachment stability during operation. Preliminary results suggest the concept has strong potential for controlled biomaterial placement to remineralize lesions on the teeth, eliminating the need for further, more invasive treatment. Future testing for the device would include radiopacity validation, more detailed remineralization analysis, and user feedback from clinical studies involving dental professionals and patients. DentaDefend offers a more comfortable and preventative alternative to conventional fillings by treating decay in its earliest stage. The device addresses the growing demand for minimally invasive dental technologies, and could provide dentists and patients with a new solution for proactive oral care.

Video

Research poster

Faculty mentor

Portrait of Madeline Andrews

Madeline Andrews

Assistant Professor

School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering

[email protected]

Partner

Scott J Phelps DMD PLLC

Scott J Phelps DMD PLLC

Lake Vista Dentistry