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Biomineralization : Physiocochemical factors controlling the tooth demineralization and remineralization
Abstract Tooth decay (caries) has been recognized as one of the most prevalent diseases in human beings. Billions of dollars each year has been spent in oral health care due to this infectious and diet-related disease. In spite of the complicated etiologies, the process of tooth decay (demineralization) is a physicochemical or biochemical phenomenon. This talk will cover the calcium phosphate saturation maintained by saliva in the mouth, the reversible demineralization and remineralization in enamel, the inhibitors and promoters of de/remineralization, the histological characterization of carious lesions and the porosity changes during the pathological process. Those techniques commonly used in caries research, such as microradiography, SEM, and qualitative/quantitative polarized light microscopy will be introduced. After the talk, a synaptic dialogue between basic scientists and dental clinicians will be arranged for those interested. The current development and challenges in the application of laser for the control of tooth demineralization will be highlighted and targeted in this dialogue. The Speaker Professor James Wefel is currently the director of the Dows Institute for Dental Research and the Center for Clinical Studies of the College of Dentistry, University of Iowa (UI). For years, Dows Institute for Dental Research has been the research arm of the UI Dental School, which has been recognized as one of the top three dental schools in the States. Being a physicochemist involved in dental researches for more than two decades, he has contributed to the Dental Community a deepened understanding of the caries process and the preventive aspects of oral health care. He is indeed a successful example of a basic scientist excelling in the life/clinical science. His research in the areas of demineralization/remineralization has brought to him many research awards, NIH research grants, and industrial grants. Date 03/04/01, Tuesday Time 1300 - 1400 hrs Venue
Organiser Department of Preventive Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry Chairperson Dr Stephen Hsu, DDS, MS, PhD
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