Contact
Phone: 416-978-1097
Training
2007 – present
B.M.Sc., Physiology (Hons.), The University of Western Ontario
Project
Deciduous root resorption is a natural process that allows the exfoliation of primary teeth to make way for secondary teeth. This process is stimulated by pressure due to the erupting permanent tooth. Root resorption of secondary teeth is also a consequence of orthodontic treatment, caused by pressure on the root surface. If resorption is severe enough, breakdown or subsequent loss of the root structure of the tooth may result.
Cementum–a thin layer of bone-like material that protects the roots of mammalian teeth–bears the dynamic load during orthodontic tooth movement. This layer is produced by cementoblasts, a type of cell that shares similar features with osteoblasts and plays a role in regulating cementum remodeling. Previous animal and human studies have revealed that low magnitude, high frequency (LMHF) vibrations aid in the increase and maintenance of bone mass through an anti-resorptive mechanism. In dentistry, human studies have shown that low intensity pulsed ultrasound has been able to reduce root resorption due orthodontic treatment. My research aims to determine whether LMHF vibrations induces metabolic changes in cementoblasts using in vitro approaches. Results of this study strives to investigate the possibility of using LMHF vibrations to prevent and repair orthodontic root resorption.