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Could Artificial Intelligence Help Us to Predict the Effectiveness of Dental Implants? - Savanna Dental
8Nov
Artificial intelligence is making a big impact on the world, and the world of dentistry is benefiting too. New research has found that it could be possible to accurately predict among people with dental implants who can recover from peri-implantitis, which is a common issue for those with dental implants.

Dental implants are a popular dentistry treatment that involves using a natural-feeling and looking tooth to replace a lost or damaged tooth.

For those who have lost or missing teeth, implants can be a fantastic solution. But despite being intended to last long-term, many implants do not.

One of the main causes of this is peri-implantitis. This is an inflammatory process that results in eventual loss of dental implants. However, it is not always clear who can recover from peri-implantitis.

But now, recent research has yielded an algorithm named FARDEEP. FARDEEP seems to be able to help predict treatment outcomes for peri-implantitis. FARDEEP is an example of artificial intelligence, and could help to make dental implants far more successful.

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are typically used to replace a lost or missing tooth. They are usually needed because of advanced gum disease or extreme tooth decay.

Implants are meant to last for a long time. However, studies have found mixed results. For example, there is a 90-95% success rate over 10 years for dental implants [1].

Implants are practical, offer aesthetic and functional tooth replacements. But, peri-implantitis is a common cause of dental implants not working properly.

A recent study found that a process called “biofouling” could help to prolong the life of implants [2](click here to know more). Now, it appears that artificial intelligence will also help dental implants to be more effective.

What is peri-implantitis?

Peri-implantitis is an inflammatory process that causes the tissue and bone around dental implants to become infected. Peri-implantitis can be very damaging to overall oral health. For instance, progressive bone loss, bleeding, pus and eventual loss of the implant are potential consequences [3].

Consequently, it becomes difficult to then put a new implant in place due to the poor bone quality around the area.

The causes of peri-implantitis aren’t always clear. Patients who smoke or have a history of periodontal disease are at higher risk of developing the condition [4].

Treating peri-implantitis is difficult and unpredictable. Reconstructive therapy is currently the treatment used. However, it is not always successful. Moreover, it is both expensive and time-consuming.

Because of the impact of peri-implantitis, and its poor treatment outcomes, researchers have been searching for ways of better predicting the effectiveness of treatment for each individual patient.

What is FARDEEP?

A team of researchers led by the University of Michigan School of Dentistry have been able to develop a machine-learning algorithm. They believe this can help to predict who will be able to recover from peri-implantitis, and who can’t [5].

FARDEEP is an example of the use of artificial intelligence in dentistry. FARDEEP stands for Fast and Robust Deconvolution of Expression Profiles.

In order to develop the algorithm, the researchers analyzed tissue samples from a group of patients that were receiving reconstructive therapy for peri-implantitis [5]. Furthermore, they then looked at how much harmful bacteria and infection-fighting immune cells were available in each sample [5].

Using this information, the researchers were then able to develop the algorithm. Overall, the researchers found that patients that had a high amount of immune cells were at lower risk of periodontal disease [5]. As a result, this means that they are likelier to have success with treatment.

In the long-term, the researchers are hoping that they will be able to use this algorithm across dentistry to help those with peri-implantitis. As a result, it should mean that dental implants can become longer-lasting, and more effective.

What this means for dental implants

The algorithm has a potential to have a big impact on dentistry. Jeff Wang, a Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Michigan, spoke about his hopes. He declared that the algorithm could help to “determine the best course of treatment” for peri-implantitis [3].

He said that this would typically involve either going through reconstructive therapy, or replacing an old implant with a new one [3]. Wang said that in the future, it could be possible to predict the risk posed by peri-implantitis before a dental implant is placed [3].

Wang cautioned that human clinical trials will be needed before FARDEEP could be used by clinicians [3]. This will be a long process, but it could have a very positive impact if implemented in the future.

FARDEEP is the latest example of the use of artificial intelligence in dentistry. Data is being used in exciting ways. As seen in this study, scientists are predicting that an artificial intelligence-based care system will result in more informed and accurate/effective decision-making and a higher quality of care [6].

What we offer at Savanna Dental

Savanna Dental is a dental clinic based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. We provide our patients with a warm welcome, a comfortable experience and advice whenever needed.

We recommend that our patients attend our Calgary-based dental clinic twice a year for a regular dental check-up. When problems are detected, we have many treatments available. For instance, these include cavity fillings and root canals.

Importantly, we recommend brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing regularly. Moreover, eating healthily and trying to avoid sugary foods and drink is helpful.

In addition, all of our services at our Calgary dental clinic Savanna Dental are in line with the Alberta Dental Fee Guide.

We would love you to visit our Savanna Dental dental clinic in Calgary! You can find out more about us by visiting our website https://savannadentalclinic.ca.

  • [1] Raikar, S., Talukdar, P., Kumari, S., Kumar Panda, S., Oommen, V. M., & Prasad, A. (2017). Factors Affecting the Survival Rate of Dental Implants: A Retrospective Study. Journal of International Society of Preventive & Community Dentistry. 7 (6), p351-355.
  • [2] Lehnfeld, J., Dukashin, Y., Mark, J., White, G. D., Wu, S., Katzur, V., Muller, R., & Ruhl, S. (2021). Saliva and Serum Protein Adsorption on Chemically Modified Silica Surfaces. Journal of Dental Research. 100 (10): p1047-1054.
  • [3] Bailey, L. (2021). AI helps predict treatment outcomes for patients with diseased dental implants. Available: https://news.umich.edu/ai-helps-predict-treatment-outcomes-for-patients-with-diseased-dental-implants/. Last accessed: 5th November 2021.
  • [4] Roos-Jansaker, A. M. (2007). Long time follow up of implant therapy and treatment of peri-implantitis. Swedish Dental Journal. 188 (1): p7-66.
  • [5] Wang, C. W., Hao, Y., Di Gianfilippo, R., Sugai, J., Li, J., Gong, W., Kornman, K. S., Wang, H. L., Kamada, N., Xie, Y., Giannobile, W. V., & Lei, Y. L. (2021). Machine learning-assisted immune profiling stratifies peri-implantitis patients with unique microbial colonization and clinical outcomes. Theranostics. 11 (14): p6703-6716. Available: https://www.thno.org/v11p6703.htm.
  • [6] Chen, Y-W., Stanley, K., Att, W., & Dent, M. (2020). Quintessence International. 51 (3): p248-257.
Study Shows Dental Implant Surfaces Are Vital to Protect Implants From Bacteria - Savanna Dental
4Oct
A recent study has looked into how certain oral proteins affect the overall life expectancy of dental implants. Dental implants are a popular oral treatment, but they don’t provide permanent results. The researchers therefore attempted to find ways of prolonging the life of implants through analysing a process named “biofouling”.

Dental implants are a very common treatment in dentistry. Implants can be an effective solution for missing or heavily-decayed teeth.

However, dental implants aren’t permanent measures. In addition, dental implants usually need to be replaced after a few years. Because of this, scientists have sought to find ways to prolong the life of implants.

A recent study has analysed the process of “biofouling” and the effect it has on dental implants. The research involved studying oral proteins and the effect that different chemical modifications have on the implant surface.

Background

Dental implants are typically used to replace a lost or missing tooth, they are normally needed because of advanced gum disease or extensive tooth decay.

Implants are designed to be long-lasting. Studies have found that there is a 90-95% success rate over 10 years for dental implants [1]. Many implants do not last longer than 10 years.

Because of this, researchers have been searching for ways of improving the longevity of dental implants. Therefore, scientists sought to study how dental implants are affected by mouth processes. For instance, this included biofouling.

The Process of Implant Insertion

When dental implants are inserted, they are immediately coated by saliva and blood plasma. The implants absorb a thin layer of oral proteins from the plasma, leading to gum tissue attaching.

However, this process allows bacteria to grow on the surface of the implant. Consequently, this can lead to the gum tissue becoming irritated. As a result, inflammation and eventual removal will often follow.

The Research

Research published in the Journal of Dental Research aimed to increase scientists’ understanding of a complex biological process named “biofouling” [2]. The University at Buffalo and the University of Regensburg carried out the research.

Biofouling refers to how the surface of implants effect the adsorption of oral proteins and unwanted microorganisms. Biofouling is a process that causes negative effects on oral health [3]. The level of adsorption is dependent on environmental conditions, protein properties and the material surface [4].

Attacking bacteria encounters protein layers first. Therefore, how implant surfaces are affected by oral proteins is an important subject.

The research involved using specially-designed silica beads. In addition, these beads had a range of different chemically modified surfaces [2]. By comparing different surfaces, researchers were therefore able to see how each one reacted.

The results showed that the adsorption of proteins from blood plasma is influenced by the amount of protein adsorbed. However, the adsorption of proteins from saliva is impacted by the biomaterial’s surface [2].

Stefan Ruhl, who is a Professor of Oral Biology at the University at Buffalo’s School of Dental Medicine, spoke about the study [5].

Ruhl said that oral proteins “help determine the biological or pathological consequences that result in either long-term survival of the implant or its failure along with irreversible damage to the surrounding tissues from infection” [5]. Ruhl’s comments emphasize the importance of this subject area.

What does this study show us?

The findings from this study should result in an improvement in the success of dental implants. As a result, the researchers will hope their findings can be put into practice.

The researchers have planned a follow-up study. This is because they hope to involve more chemically-modified silica surfaces. This is part of an ongoing aim to improve the design of implant surface coatings.

However, it is important to mention that there are other factors that affect dental implants. Moreover, oral hygiene, diet, bone structure and lifestyle factors all have an impact on the length of time implants last [6].

What we offer at Savanna Dental

Savanna Dental is a dental clinic based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. We offer many services, including regular check-ups, cavity fillings, root canals and some cosmetic services.

Dental problems should be addressed early and can be identified at check-ups. This helps to prevent the problem getting more severe. So, when further treatment is needed after a check-up, we give our patients a clear treatment plan.

The best way of avoiding extra treatment is to have strong oral hygiene. This includes brushing our teeth at least twice a day, flossing regularly, and getting a dental check-up at least twice a year. Avoiding sugary foods and drink and not smoking also helps.

Our Calgary-based dental practice Savanna Dental also follows the Alberta Dental Fee Guide. This means our prices are competitive, transparent and affordable.

We would love you to visit us here at Savanna Dental soon! You can see more about us by visiting our website https://savannadentalclinic.ca.

  • [1] Raikar, S., Talukdar, P., Kumari, S., Kumar Panda, S., Oommen, V. M., & Prasad, A. (2017). Factors Affecting the Survival Rate of Dental Implants: A Retrospective Study. Journal of International Society of Preventive & Community Dentistry. 7(6), p351-355.
  • [2] Lehnfeld, J., Dukashin, Y., Mark, J., White, G. D., Wu, S., Katzur, V., Muller, R., & Ruhl, S. (2021). Saliva and Serum Protein Adsorption on Chemically Modified Silica Surfaces. Journal of Dental Research. 100(10): p1047-1054.
  • [3] Norde, W. (2008). My voyage of discovery to proteins in flatland… and beyond. Colloids and Surfaces B: Biointerfaces. 61(1): p1–9.
  • [4] Michiardi, A., Aparicio, C., Ratner, B. D., Planell, J. A., Gil, J. (2007). The influence of surface energy on competitive protein adsorption on oxidized niti surfaces. Biomaterials. 28(4): p586–594.
  • [5] University at Buffalo. (2021). Study: Dental implant surfaces play major role in tissue attachment, warding off unwanted bacteria. Available: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2021-09-dental-implant-surfaces-major-role.html. Last accessed: 2nd October 2021.
  • [6] Gherde, C., Dhatrak, P., Nimbalkar, S., & Joshi, S. (2021). A comprehensive review of factors affecting fatigue life of dental implants. Materials Today: Proceedings. 43(2): p1117-1123.
Oral Cancer Awareness Month - Savanna Dental - Oral Exams
13Apr
This April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month, which aims to increase knowledge of the dangers and symptoms associated with Oral cancer among the public. Oral cancer is a debilitating condition, but one that with early detection, can be treated successfully. At Savanna Dental we aim to provide the services needed to lower the threat of Oral cancer, and provide ongoing support and treatment when needed for our patients.

April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month, which is a period of time dedicated to raising awareness of the dangers of Oral cancer (also known as Mouth Cancer), the signs and symptoms of the condition, and the importance of attending regular dental check-ups in order to remain protected against the condition.

The non-profit organization Oral Cancer Foundation organize the month-long campaign, which is supported by numerous dental associations and research bodies around the world. It is an important issue, with Oral cancer remaining a common form of cancer.

The most crucial element in Oral cancer is early detection. By detecting problems early, survival rates can increase. While the statistics behind the condition are somewhat worrying, there are things that we can all do to lessen the threat of the condition – with attending regular check-ups highly important.

The Statistics

Oral cancer is actually more common than many people think. Around the world, it is the 6th most common type of cancer [1]. Figures from the Canadian Cancer Statistics [2] show that in 2020, an estimated 5,400 Canadians were diagnosed with Oral cancer, with the condition causing 1,500 deaths. The condition is more common in men than women, and has a 64% survival rate over the course of five years [3].

Risk Factors

There are risk factors involved with Oral cancer, however it is important to mention that anyone can be affected by Oral cancer. Those that are heavy alcohol drinkers and smokers are at a heightened risk, especially those over the age of 50.

But younger people are increasingly being affected by Oral cancer, which has largely been attributed to the ongoing spread of the sexually transmitted infection Human Papillomavirus virus (HPV), with the HPV-16 subtype especially linked to oral cancer [4].

Steps we can take

There are certainly steps that we can take to increase our chances of avoiding Oral cancer. Without doubt, the most important step we can take is to attend regular dental check-ups. The earlier that symptoms of Oral cancer are detected, the better the chance of survival. Regularly seeing your dentist is the best thing that we can do to avoid Oral cancer.

The Oral Cancer Foundation’s “Check Your MouthTM” initiative encourages the public to remain aware of the symptoms, even between appointments. The typical symptoms seen in Oral cancer are, but not limited to [1]:

  • Any form of growth e.g., a lump, in your mouth
  • A sore or ulcer that doesn’t heal within 2 weeks
  • Discoloration of some tissues in the mouth
  • Unexplained numbness on the lip or tongue
  • The mouth bleeding easily
  • Swollen glands
  • Jaw swelling

Aside from looking out for the symptoms and attending regular check-ups, stopping smoking and cutting down on alcohol consumption are excellent ways of lessening our chances of getting Oral cancer. A healthy and nutritious diet with plenty of fruit and vegetable can also be recommended.

What we offer

As mentioned, it is crucial to attend regular dental check-ups. Our Calgary-based clinic Savanna Dental offers a range of services to customers, from regular check-ups to more complex treatments. We will always be happy to help, and provide the treatment you require in a comfortable environment. Our dental clinic is in a convenient location in Calgary.

We provide oral exam services to screen and prevent Oral cancer. If you do suffer from Oral cancer, we will provide comprehensive advice on how to treat it and offer guidance that is tailored to your personal situation. We always aim to contribute to the ongoing positive oral health of our patients.

Summary

Oral cancer is a condition that can be treated. We really can’t emphasize enough the importance of early detection, meaning that regular check-ups are important. We care about your oral health here at Savanna Dental. Contact us or visit our website at https://savannadentalclinic.ca if you would like to learn more about the services we can offer.