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School of Dentistry, UT Health San AntonioSchool of Dentistry, UT Health San Antonio

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  • Dental Material & Bioengineering

Dental Material & Bioengineering

Researchers within the School of Dentistry’s labs are behind numerous patents and research advances that have led to the creation of new types of dental materials.

Prevent Oral Infection With High-Tech Dental Material

Silver nanoparticles and BPA-free resins are among the new dental materials developed by researchers within the School of Dentistry’s labs. Dr. Kyumin Whang’s research has studied the antimicrobial properties of silver nanoparticles within fillings, endodontic material, sealants and orthodontic bonding material.

The Latest Facts & Findings

Silver nanoparticles within dental bonding and sealing materials can result in a near elimination of bacteria. Our work has resulted in a significantly increased kill rate of bacteria and reduced rate of post-surgical or post-application infection.

99.99%

 of bacteria are eliminated using silver nanoparticles.

$3 million

 in NIH funding has been awarded to support BPA-free resin material research.

Dr. Kyumin Whang
Silver ions

As far as we know, there is no bacterial resistance to silver ions at the therapeutic doses used. It works where antibiotics fail, and it works in addition to antibiotics to provide added protection against re-infection.

Dr. Kyumin Whang

More About Our Research

  • Silver ions

    Silver Nanoparticles

    Our research has found an antimicrobial implant material using silver nanoparticles (AgNP) in cement can inhibit 99.99% of bacteria against four different strains.

  • BPA-free resin

    BPA-free Resin

    We are among six NIH-funded institutions examining ways to develop restorative material that will increase the clinical lifetime and eliminate BPA from dental resins.

  • Magnification of word

    Patented Materials

    Samples of patented work: dual-cure resins and adhesives with increased cure and color stability and in situ formation of nanoparticles in resins.

  • Person smiling

    Orthodontic Band Cement

    Silver nanoparticles also protect teeth from white spot lesions. The particles offer additional protection against microbes when the silver nanoparticles are part of ortho band cement.

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