Abstract: A composition of matter includes a mixture of styrene derivative monomers and methacrylate/acrylate derivative monomers, which form hydrogen bonds between/among different precursors, and initiators, and the compositions are used to achieve composition control of the forming polymer, with the mole fraction of acrylate/methacrylate and styrene moieties in the forming polymer determined preferably by the monomer reactivity and monomer composition rather than the viscosity of the monomers.

Abstract: A new azo-type quaternary pyridinium salt (Azo-QPS) shows enhanced activity at acidic conditions (e.g., pH=5); in neutral or basic conditions, this new Azo-QPS shows a much lower level (2-50 times less) anti-bacterial activity. The use of such a “stimulus-enhance” antibiotic can response to the proliferation of bacteria directly. It helps reduce or prevent the build-up of potent antibacterial agents in the oral environment. The antibacterial properties of Azo-QPS are “activated” when the environmental pH becomes acidic; this acidic pH may be indicative of the accumulation of Streptococcus mutans, or the initiation of tooth decay.

Abstract: A multi-functional self-healing dental composite may intrinsically repair the micro-crack and prevent the crack from propagating to catastrophic failure, thus significantly extending the service life of the restorative material. The self-healing dental composite includes a dental resin matrix, fillers, healing powder, and healing liquid containing micro-capsules distributed throughout the matrix. Each of the micro-capsules have a silica she formed by the hydrolysis condensation of TEOS in the presence of an aqueous solution of a healing liquid. The healing liquid includes a homo-polymers(s) and/or copolymer(s) of carboxylic acid(s). The healing powder particles distributed throughout the resin matrix, and include alumina, silica and other elements. The self-healing may be triggered automatically as a result of micro-cracking, induced by thereto/mechanical fatigue. During the self-healing process, antibacterial agents may be released to provide protection of the composites against cariogenic bacteria.

Abstract: A computer-controlled method for forming a composition-controlled product using 3D printing includes disposing two or more liquid reactant compositions in respective two or more reservoirs; and mixing the two or more liquid reactant compositions, which in turn includes controlling by the computer a mass ratio of the mixed two or more liquid reactant compositions. The computer-controlled method further includes scanning, under control of the computer, a mixed liquid reactants nozzle over a substrate; depositing the mixed liquid reactant compositions onto the substrate; and operating, under control of the computer, a light source to polymerize the deposited mixed liquid reactant compositions.

Abstract: Disclosed are endodontic filling materials and methods. A method for filling a dental root canal may include providing a hydrosetting filling material and inserting the hydrosetting filling material into the dental root canal, the material setting in the root canal to form a biocompatible filling. The hydrosetting filling material comprises a hydrogel former and a filler. The hydrogel former is at least one of a reactive organic hydrogel formers, an inorganic hydrogel formers, and a non-reactive organic hydrogel formers, and the filler is at least one of a self-hardening and a non-hardening filler. Plural filling material precursor compositions that collectively contain hydrogel formers and fillers may be provided.

Abstract: A composition of matter includes one or more functionalized vinylbenzyl components of the formula covalently connected to one or more R functional components; the one or more R functional groups selected from a group including one or more hydroxyl methyl (—CHOH—) moieties and/or derivatives thereof, one or more ethoxy (—CH2—CH2—O—) moieties and/or derivatives thereof, and one or more benzene (C6H6) and/or derivatives thereof; and ether links that connect the functionalized vinylbenzyl components and the R functional components.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for forming, in an aqueous environment, a nanoaggregate of calcium fluoride and amorphous calcium phosphate-containing compound, such as amorphous calcium phosphate fluoride or amorphous calcium carbonate phosphate fluoride are described. The nanoaggregate (or nanocomposite) can release calcium, phosphate, and fluoride, and ultimately convert to the tooth mineral, fluorapatite. One method for forming such a nanoaggregate involves applying a non-aqueous (e.g., varnish-based) composition (e.g., a suspension), containing solid particles of water soluble salts of calcium, phosphate, and fluoride, to the aqueous environment of the mouth. This results in rapid solubilization of the salts, precipitation of the nanoaggregate, and tooth remineralization. Tooth fluoridation and remineralization may also be carried out by applying to the tooth a non-aqueous carrier containing the nanoaggregate. Whitening agents can also be added to these compositions and methods.

Abstract: Disclosed are dual-phase cement precursor systems and related methods and kits. The cement precursor systems are composed of a first and second discrete phases, at least one of which is aqueous. When combined, the cement precursor phases form a cement that is suitable as a bone graft material for bone repair procedures. In preferred embodiments, the materials are highly biocompatible, osteoinductive, and bioresorbable. A number of different but not mutually exclusive cement chemistries may be employed in the cement precursor systems. For instance, hydrogel-forming polymer cements, carboxyl/calcium cements, or calcium phosphate cements may be employed.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions that comprise vinylarylalkylene ethers of cyclodextrins optionally containing ether-linked adhesion-promoting groups, in combination with copolymerizable monomer or monomers. The copolymerizable monomer or monomers may include vinylarylalkylene ethers of oligohydroxy compounds (for example, sorbitol divinylbenzyl ether and others). The composition further may include stabilizers (for example, 1,3,5-trimethyl-2,4,6-tris(3,5-di-(tert)-butyl-4-hydroxybenzyl)benzene and others), and polymerization initiators (for example, phenylbis[2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl]phosphine oxide and others) and reinforcing materials (for example, imogolite). Methods of preparing the compositions as well as the components of compositions and methods for their use in dental and other applications are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed are endodontic filling materials and methods. A method for filling a dental root canal may include providing a hydrosetting filling material and inserting the hydrosetting filling material into the dental root canal, the material setting in the root canal to form a biocompatible filling. The hydrosetting filling material comprises a hydrogel former and a filler. The hydrogel former is at least one of a reactive organic hydrogel formers, an inorganic hydrogel formers, and a non-reactive organic hydrogel formers, and the filler is at least one of a self-hardening and a non-hardening filler. Plural filling material precursor compositions that collectively contain hydrogel formers and fillers may be provided.

Abstract: Mouth rinses, dentifrices, lozenges, confections, chewing gums, and similar delivery vehicles containing non-toxic soluble calcium are used prior to administration of a fluoride-containing composition to increase the effectiveness of the fluoride therapy. An effective amount of calcium is released into the oral cavity and allowed to penetrate into the oral tissue. Calcium-bound fluoride deposits form in the oral tissue upon subsequent administration of the fluoride-containing composition to provide increased salivary, plaque and oral tissue fluoride concentrations.

Abstract: Disclosed are dental compositions and methods. In accordance with one embodiment, a dental composition includes calcium, fluorine, which is generally present in the form of fluoride, and phosphate or another stabilizing anion. The composition is stable as against precipitation of calcium fluoride during transport and storage, but is unstable against the precipitation of calcium fluoride in the oral cavity of a human. In many embodiments, the amount of fluoride may be less than the amount of fluoride used in a comparable composition intended for a similar purpose. A dental method comprises applying the composition to the oral cavity of a patient, whereupon calcium fluoride precipitates from the composition.

Abstract: Calcium peroxyphosphate compounds and dental compositions comprising these compounds that combine both whitening/stain removal of teeth with remineralization are disclosed. The calcium peroxyphosphate compounds are capable of releasing, in an aqueous environment, whitening and remineralization effective amounts of calcium ion, phosphate ion, and active oxygen. Preferred compounds are calcium peroxymonophosphate or calcium diperoxymonophosphate compounds. These compounds may be used in humans and other animals, including other mammals.

Abstract: A method for preparing uniquely sized nanoparticles of CaF2 by simultaneously spray drying a first NH4F and a biocompatible salt solution and a second Ca(OH)2 and biocompatible salt solution to form CaF2 solid particles in a soluble salt matrix wherein the salt is more soluble than CaF2. The salt matrix may then be dissolved and the separate CaF2 nanosized particles collected for use as a dental therapeutic material. The technique is useful in the preparation of other discrete, nanoparticle sized compounds and combinations by carefully choosing the solvents and solutes of the two spray dried solutions.

Abstract: This study reports in vitro and in vivo properties of fluorapatite (FA)-forming calcium phosphate cements (CPCs). Experimental cements contained from (0 to 3.1) mass % of F, corresponding to presence of FA at levels of approximately (0 to 87) mass %. The crystallinity of the apatitic cement product increased greatly with the FA content. When implanted subcutaneously in rats, the in vivo resorption rate decreased significantly with increasing FA content. The cement with the highest FA content was not resorbed in soft tissue, making it biocompatible and bioinert CPC. These bioinert CPCs are candidates for use in useful applications where slow or no resorption of the implant is required to achieve the desired clinical outcome.

Abstract: A bone or dental implant material in the form of a paste includes a mixture of calcium phosphate and/or calcium-containing powders, liquid glycerol, organic acid and gelling agent. The paste is stable, resistant to washout and will harden upon exposure to water. Physical characteristics of the paste, including consistency, porosity, and hardening time, are controlled by the choice and ratio of constituents.

Abstract: A method for preparing uniquely sized nanoparticles of CaF2 by simultaneously spray drying a first NH4F and a biocompatible salt solution and a second Ca(OH)2 and biocompatible salt solution to form CaF2 solid particles in a soluble salt matrix wherein the salt is more soluble than CaF2. The salt matrix may then be dissolved and the separate CaF2 nanosized particles collected for use as a dental therapeutic material. The technique is useful in the preparation of other discrete, nanoparticle sized compounds and combinations by carefully choosing the solvents and solutes of the two spray dried solutions.

Abstract: A polymeric composition comprising modified-TiO2 nanoparticles, with or without a solvent, and polymer precursors; wherein the modified-TiO2 nanoparticles comprise titanium dioxide nanoparticles modified with a short-chain unsaturated compound comprising 2 to 10 carbon atoms. The polymeric composition may be used in dental compositions such as dental adhesives, dental composites, and dental sealants.

Abstract: This study reports in vitro and in vivo properties of fluorapatite (FA)-forming calcium phosphate cements (CPCs). Experimental cements contained from (0 to 3.1) mass % of F, corresponding to presence of FA at levels of approximately (0 to 87) mass %. The crystallinity of the apatitic cement product increased greatly with the FA content. When implanted subcutaneously in rats, the in vivo resorption rate decreased significantly with increasing FA content. The cement with the highest FA content was not resorbed in soft tissue, making it biocompatible and bioinert CPC. These bioinert CPCs are candidates for use in useful applications where slow or no resorption of the implant is required to achieve the desired clinical outcome.

Abstract: Calcium peroxyphosphate compounds and dental compositions comprising these compounds that combine both whitening/stain removal of teeth with remineralization are disclosed. The calcium peroxyphosphate compounds are capable of releasing, in an aqueous environment, whitening and remineralization effective amounts of calcium ion, phosphate ion, and active oxygen. Preferred compounds are calcium peroxymonophosphate or calcium diperoxymonophosphate compounds. These compounds may be used in humans and other animals, including other mammals.