A clinical and experimental study of the biomechanical factors associated with tooth destruction [ 2001 - 2003 ]

Research Grant

Researchers: Prof Martin Am Tyas Am (Principal investigator) ,  Dr Joseph Palamara ,  Prof Harold Messer ,  Prof Michael Burrow

Brief description This project investigates the influence of biting force on the development of non-carious and carious defects of teeth. Strain gauges will be cemented to the neck region of extracted teeth and teeth in the mouth, forces applied to the biting surfaces of the teeth, and the stress which results will be measured by the strain gauge. A profiling technique and high-power microscopy will be used to determine the amount of tooth structure lost as a result of applying the forces in the presence of acid. In addition, a computer model will be generated, to determine whether it can be used to predict the stresses. In a clinical study, patients with and without non-carious defects will be followed for three years in order to assess the morphological changes and measure the volume loss of tooth structure which occurs.

Funding Amount $AUD 241,527.54

Funding Scheme NHMRC Project Grants

Notes Standard Project Grant