(Left) Teeth marked with XO-Dontia under normal light exposure. (Right) The same, marked teeth when exposed to black, UV light.
Invention Summary:
Dentists use tooth numbering systems in order to mark, on referral forms and patient records, the exact teeth that must be removed via dental extractions. However, tooth numbering systems differ between dental specialties, and similarities between primary “baby” teeth and adult teeth, often cause human error in these procedures – resulting in the incorrect tooth being extracted and an unnecessary physical and financial burden on patients.
Rutgers researchers have developed a novel dental bonding agent formulation to “mark” teeth to be extracted in a later procedure, called XO-Dontia. This formulation uses a combination of a self-etching dental bonding agent and a non-toxic resin, which is visible only under black UV light. XO-Dontia is easily painted onto the tooth of interest and light-cured into place. Any referring dental specialist can then refer to patient documents to confirm the identity of the XO-Dontia-marked teeth. XO-Dontia is a simple tool implementation that can eliminate error due to dissimilar tooth numbering systems.
Market Applications:
Advantages:
Intellectual Property & Development Status: Provisional patent application filed, patent pending. Available for licensing and/or research collaboration. For any business development and other collaborative partnerships contact marketingbd@research.rutgers.edu.