Next-Gen Dental Implants That “Feel” Like Natural Teeth Show Promise in Early Study
Researchers at Tufts University have developed a novel dental implant designed to reconnect with the body’s nerve system, offering the potential for true sensory feedback. Paired with a less invasive surgical technique, this innovation could redefine both functionality and healing in implant dentistry.
Dental implants may be on the verge of a sensory revolution. A team of researchers from Tufts University has engineered a new type of implant designed to mimic not only the structure of natural teeth, but their sensory function as well. Traditional implants fuse directly to the jawbone and bypass the complex network of nerves that helps patients sense pressure, texture, and position — crucial elements in effective chewing and speech. The new prototype changes that.
At the core of the innovation is a biodegradable coating surrounding the implant. This coating carries stem cells and growth proteins that encourage the regeneration of nerve tissue. As it gradually dissolves, the implant becomes surrounded by newly formed soft tissue with nerve integration. This could allow the implant to restore some of the sensory input lost with natural teeth.
In preclinical studies on rodents, the implants remained stable without inflammation and showed early signs of soft-tissue integration rather than traditional osseointegration. Additionally, the implants use a compressible, memory-foam-like nanofiber that allows for a gentler, more tissue-preserving placement method, potentially minimizing nerve damage. Click here to read more.
