Scientists in Germany develop hybrid composite for endodontics

LEIPZIG, Germany: Materials used in root canal procedures are not always compatible with each other or do not bond properly with the hard dental tissue. Root filling materials, for example, should not shrink as they harden and be visible in x-rays. On the other hand, materials used to rebuild the tooth should mimic the properties of the tooth itself. Researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Silicate Research ISC in Würzburg, Germany, now have said to have developed a new material that can be used for all components applied in root canal treatment.

The material which was developed in collaboration with researchers from VOCO, a German manufacturer of dental restorative materials, is based on organic-inorganic hybrid substances, so-called, ORMOCERs, that are combined with various nano- and microparticles. While standart material shrink by 2-4 per cent, ORMOCERs only shrink by 1.3 per cent as they harden. The can also be adapted to adhere to the different parts of the tooth, the researchers said.

ORMOCERS are already in use for optical functional coatings for glass and ceramic components or easy-to-clean coatings for metals and leather. According to ISC officials, the launch of a final product for dentistry will be in a few years.