Abstract: The present invention relates to the surprising finding that enamel matrix, enamel matrix derivatives and/or enamel matrix proteins induce dentin regeneration. The invention thus relates to the use of a preparation of an active enamel substance for the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition for the formation or regeneration of dentin following dental procedures involving exposure of vital dental pulp tissue. In another aspect, the invention relates to a method of promoting the formation or regeneration of dentin following dental procedures involving exposure of vital dental pulp tissue, the method comprising applying an effective amount of an active enamel substance on exposed vital dental pulp tissue after dental procedures.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel nucleic acid fragments encoding polypeptides which are capable of mediating contact between enamel and cell surface. The invention also relates to expression vectors containing the nucleic acid fragments according to the invention for production of the protein, organisms containing said expression vector, methods for producing the polypeptide, compositions comprising the polypeptides, antibodies or antibody fragments recognizing the polypeptides, and methods for treating various hard tissue diseases or disorders.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel nucleic acid fragments encoding polypeptides which are capable of mediating contact between enamel and cell surface. The invention also relates to expression vectors containing the nucleic acid fragments according to the invention for production of the protein, organisms containing said expression vector, methods for producing the polypeptide, compositions comprising the polypeptides, antibodies or antibody fragments recognizing the polypeptides, and methods for treating various hard tissue diseases or disorders.

Abstract: A composition for use in biological, mineralized surface conditioning, especially tooth root conditioning, by selective removal of parts of an exposed tooth root surface so as to improve subsequent attachment of the tooth in conjunction with periodontal surgery, includes, as an active constituent, an effective amount of ethylene-diaminotetraacetic acid (EDTA) in combination with an aqueous matrix. A method of tooth root conditioning includes, in a preferred embodiment, the step of applying to an exposed tooth root surface a viscous composition of EDTA in a concentration of no less than 80% by weight of the concentration at saturation of EDTA.

Abstract: An apparatus for diagnosing an inflammatory condition relating to periodontitis made up of a probe with sensors for measuring temperature within a periodontal pocket. The apparatus further comprises a graduated scale for measuring the depth of the periodontal pocket. Also provided is equipment for recording the temperature difference between the bottom and the mouth of the periodontal pocket.