Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Dental Medicine, the School of Engineering and Applied Science, and the Perelman School of Medicine have teamed up to create a groundbreaking treatment for apical periodontitis, a chronic dental infection that affects over half of the global population and is a leading cause of tooth loss.
A recent study published by Penn’s Center for Innovation & Precision Dentistry in the Journal of Clinical Investigation showcases a promising new approach using ferumoxytol, a nanoparticle formulation. This FDA-approved drug has demonstrated significant potential in reducing apical periodontitis, offering a new alternative to the traditional root canal treatments, which often face challenges in effectively treating the infection.
Apical periodontitis occurs when bacteria form biofilms—dense clusters that adhere to the root canal deep within the tooth. Root canals are currently the go-to treatment for such infections, but they come with their own set of complications and limitations. A key issue is the use of sodium hypochlorite, a disinfectant employed during the procedure, which can cause damage if not carefully contained within the treated area.
Dr. Bekir Karabucak, chair and professor of endodontics at Penn Dental School, emphasized the difficulty in achieving effective disinfection while maintaining the integrity of the tooth. “Effective root canal disinfection is essential for treatment success, but it is challenging to target microbes while preserving the surrounding tooth structure,” Karabucak explained. The use of harsh disinfectants and mechanical methods to eradicate biofilm can cause unintended harm to nearby tissues if not applied with precision.
In an experimental phase, the Center for Innovation & Precision Dentistry treated 44 patients with a mixture of ferumoxytol and hydrogen peroxide, achieving a 99.9% reduction in bacteria with no adverse effects. This research marks a significant leap forward, as the ferumoxytol treatment not only targets the bacteria but also shows the ability to regenerate tissue by activating the body’s own stem cells—a promising development in dental care.
Dr. Chider Chen, assistant professor of oral and maxillofacial surgery at Penn Dental School, reflected on the evolution of the project. “What started as a simple investigation into potential toxicity transformed into a revolutionary treatment that not only eliminates biofilms but also promotes tissue regeneration,” Chen said.
Hyun Koo, a professor at the Dental School, expressed enthusiasm for the future potential of ferumoxytol. “Iron oxide nanozymes represent an exciting new class of therapeutics with both antibiofilm and tissue-regenerative properties,” Koo noted. “These treatments are biocompatible, cost-effective, and versatile, opening the door to a wide range of applications in oral health care.”
With the ongoing development of this innovative treatment, the research team at Penn is excited about the transformative possibilities ferumoxytol offers for addressing tooth infections and promoting overall oral health.
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