Biobank facilities receive, store, and process human samples. They then distribute the samples to researchers for future research.
Advancements in dental research have significantly improved oral health outcomes for countless individuals and have led to effective treatments for conditions that were once difficult to manage.
To further advance dental treatments and therapies, researchers require access to dental biological samples, such as teeth, from diverse patients. A dental biobank is a repository of de-identified dental samples, providing researchers with valuable research resources. A single tooth specimen from a patient has the potential to support multiple research projects in dentistry, each contributing to potential breakthroughs in oral healthcare.
The exact nature of these studies is often not entirely known because discoveries lead research in new and not always foreseen directions; however, studies must get proper research ethics approval to access the biobank.
Research examples
Extract teeth to simulate root canals and compare different instrumentation techniques. The researcher can practice and compare traditional hand instrumentation, rotary systems (such as ProTaper or WaveOne), and reciprocating systems. The researcher can also evaluate each technique's efficiency, shaping ability, and preservation of root canal anatomy.
Set up extracted teeth with simulated root canals and test various irrigation solutions (e.g., sodium hypochlorite, EDTA) to assess their effectiveness in removing debris and disinfecting the canals. Imaging techniques measure residual debris and evaluate the cleanliness of the canal walls.
Prepare extracted teeth with simulated root canals and obturate using different root canal sealers. After obturation, section the teeth longitudinally to evaluate the sealer's penetration and adaptation within the canal system. This experiment provides insights into the sealing ability of different sealers.
Prepare extracted teeth with simulated root canals and compare the adaptation of different gutta-percha cone sizes to the canal walls. Measure the quality of cone adaptation using radiographic or micro-CT imaging and identify potential voids. This experiment assesses the precision of obturation techniques.
Contact
For any inquiries, please contact:
Endodontic Biobank
J.B. Macdonald Building
337G-2199 Wesbrook Mall
Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3
endobiobank@dentistry.ubc.ca
604-822-5996