Slow Release Endodontic Paste via Calcium Cement Matrix
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current dental root canal treatments face challenges in maintaining antibacterial and osteogenic properties over a longer period while minimizing cytotoxicity, especially in compromised teeth where calcium hydroxide pastes are not suitable due to high cytotoxicity and antibiotic/steroid pastes lose effectiveness as antibiotics diffuse out, leading to bacterial colonization.
Innovation Solution
A dental paste combining a free antibiotic and steroid with a soluble calcium cement, where the antibiotic is incorporated into a matrix formed by a partially set setting material and then mixed with a non-setting material to create a slow-release paste that maintains antibacterial and osteogenic properties, reducing cytotoxicity and extending the duration of action.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If calcium hydroxide paste is used to provide calcium ions for hard tissue formation, then osteogenic properties are improved, but cytotoxicity increases due to high alkalinity (pH 12.5)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the pH parameter from highly alkaline (pH 12.5) to a more physiological range by using alternative calcium sources such as calcium sulfate, calcium phosphate, or calcium carbonate. These materials provide calcium ions for osteogenic properties while maintaining a pH that is less cytotoxic to periodontal ligament cells, thus resolving the contradiction between osteogenic effectiveness and cellular safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite paste formulations that combine calcium-containing materials (for osteogenic properties) with antibiotic and steroid components. This composite approach allows the calcium source to provide sustained calcium ion release for hard tissue formation while the other components contribute antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects, achieving multiple functions without the extreme alkalinity of pure calcium hydroxide.
2Reliability
If antibiotic/steroid paste is used to control bacterial growth, then antibacterial properties are improved, but the paste becomes colonized by bacteria after antibiotic diffusion over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the release kinetics of the antibiotic by incorporating it into a calcium cement matrix. This changes the diffusion rate parameter, enabling sustained release of the antibiotic over an extended period. The controlled release mechanism maintains effective antibacterial concentrations for longer durations, preventing bacterial colonization that would otherwise occur after rapid antibiotic depletion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves continuous antibacterial protection through the sustained release mechanism. The antibiotic is released gradually from the calcium cement matrix over time, maintaining a continuous presence of effective concentrations rather than a single bolus dose. This continuous action prevents bacterial colonization throughout the extended treatment period.
3Duration of action of moving object
If antibiotic is incorporated into calcium cement matrix for slow release, then duration of action is extended, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the antibiotic incorporation step with the calcium cement setting process. The antibiotic is mixed with the calcium cement components before setting, allowing the drug to become integrated into the matrix during the natural setting reaction. This merging of steps simplifies manufacturing compared to separate encapsulation processes, achieving slow release without excessive complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The paste provides sustained release of calcium and antibiotics, reducing bacterial repopulation and inflammation, with minimal cytotoxicity, thus extending its effectiveness and reducing the need for frequent replacements, while supporting hard tissue formation in incomplete root development.
Implementation Method 1
a soluble calcium cement... provides a source of calcium to a similar level as traditional calcium hydroxide pastes whilst maintaining a reduced level of cytotoxicity
Implementation Method 2
The loss of the antibiotic results in the ability of the paste to be colonised by bacteria. This occurs after a period of a few days to a few weeks depending on the rate of diffusion of the antibiotic from the paste into the surrounding tissues.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention discloses a root canal dental paste that has include a first portion made from at least one antibiotic compound and partially set calcium based cement which forms a matrix to at least partially encapsulate the antibiotic compound. The first portion is then ground and combined with a second portion being a non-setting material and an antibiotic to form a paste.