Periodontology or Periodontics is the specialty of dentistry that studies supporting structures of teeth, diseases, and conditions that affect them. The supporting tissues are known as the periodontium, which includes the gingiva (gums), alveolar bone, cementum, and the periodontal ligament. A professional who practises this speciality field of dentistry is known as a periodontist.
Periodontal diseases take on many different forms but are usually a result of a coalescence of bacterial plaque biofilm accumulation of the red complex bacteria (egs. include P. gingivalis, T. denticola, and A. actinomycetemcomitans) of the gingiva and teeth, combined with host immuno-inflammatory mechanisms and other risk factors which lead to destruction of the supporting bone around natural teeth. Untreated, these diseases lead to alveolar bone loss and tooth loss and, to date, continue to be the leading cause of tooth loss in adults.
The British Society of periodontology exists to promote the art and science of periodontology. Their membership includes specialist practitioners, periodontists, general dentists, consultants and trainees in restorative dentistry, clinical academics, dental hygienists and therapists, specialist trainees in periodontology and many others.
Specialist training in periodontics in the UK is either a three year full time or four years at three days per week. At the end of the training, candidates are awarded a Master of Clinical Dentistry (MClinDent) and a membership in restorative dentistry at one of the Royal College of Surgeons (MRD RCS) before being entered on the specialist list held by the General Dental Council.
Imagenetix, Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: IAGX), announced today the first scientific publication of a study that was conducted on its proprietary compound, 1-TDC, for the prevention of periodontal disease. The study which was conducted at Boston University was published in the April 26th issue of The Journal of Periodontology.
Commenting on the results of the study, Mr. William P. Spencer, President of Imagenetix said, "We are excited with the results of this study, which demonstrates the potential of our compound to become a major breakthrough for the prevention of periodontal disease." According to the American Academy of Periodontology over 50% of the adults over the age of 50 have periodontitis or periodontal diseases, which creates a potential multi-billion market for a product developed from our compound. We have recently submitted and received PRE-IND approval from the FDA to begin Safety Studies.
1-TDC is a proprietary blend of esterified fatty acids that inhibits many oral bacteria. Many of these bacteria have been identified with causing local and systemic inflammation. The purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of 1-TDC on Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis) induced periodontitis. Boston University researchers have established the P. gingivalis-induced periodontitis model in rabbits and have extensively investigated the relationship of P.gingivalis infection to inflammation.
Mr. Spencer added, "The scientists at the Boston University, Goldman School of Dental Medicine have done an excellent job guiding us through the discovery process. This study forms the foundation for outlining the efficacy of 1-TDC for the prevention of periodontal disease. I am happy to report that Dr. Robert Hesslink, Director of Research & Development along with our clinical sciences staff continue to achieve research milestones in this novel form of treating periodontal diseases. We expect to report additional developments in the near future."
