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Nachrichten, Termine, Experten
Research network FOR 5250 in cooperation with TU Dortmund University will receive further funding from the DFG for another four years.
Implants are becoming increasingly important for replacing missing teeth. As artificial tooth roots, the screws, which are usually made of titanium, are implanted into the jawbone and grow together there as stable supports for the visible dentures. The crown or larger restorations, such as bridges or removable dentures, are then attached to this via a small connecting element. However, sometimes the implant does not heal firmly into the jawbone or subsequently loses its hold, so that the artificial tooth root has to be removed again. There are many reasons for this: tissue degradation in the surrounding bone due to inflammation, unfavorable biomechanical stress during the healing phase, or insufficient bone substance due to age or predisposition.
The goal of the FOR 5250 research network is to prevent implant loss as far as possible. Unlike current “off-the-shelf” solutions, researchers from the fields of medicine and engineering are working here to develop customized, personalized implants. These implants are designed to take into account the individual bone situation of each patient, optimize the chewing load on the implant as much as possible, and prevent colonization by pathogenic bacteria in the oral flora and the inflammation caused by them. Prof. Dr. Meike Stiesch, Director of the Clinic for Dental Prosthetics and Biomedical Materials Science at Hannover Medical School (MHH). The Technical University of Dortmund is the cooperation partner for technical issues. The German Research Foundation (DFG) extended its funding in December 2025 for another four years and is supporting the project with €4.4 million.
Manufacturing with 3D printing
“An important factor for the long-term prognosis of dental implants is mechanical stress in the surrounding bone caused by chewing forces,” says Professor Stiesch. To determine these stresses at the interface between the bone and the implant in advance, the researchers use a computer-aided simulation process. This allows them to calculate the strength of the implant before it is manufactured, analyze possible stresses and deformations, and determine the individual internal structure that is optimally adapted to the load. In the additive process—also known as 3D printing—a patient-specific, so-called graded implant is manufactured layer by layer according to the digital specifications. This is specially adapted to the different bone structures and stresses within the jawbone.
Antibacterial surfaces
It is not only the internal structure of the implant that is important. The surface also plays a decisive role in ensuring that the artificial tooth root grows in well and remains firmly anchored in the jawbone for as long as possible. To this end, the additively manufactured implants are treated mechanically and chemically by sandblasting and etching so that bone-forming cells can adhere better to the surface. In addition, researchers are developing new coatings with magnesium alloys that promote better bone healing. At the same time, the alloys have an antibacterial effect and prevent bacteria from attaching to the implant surface and forming biofilms that are difficult to treat.
Special requirements for older people
The researchers have already developed an initial model system for an improved standard implant in the first funding phase. Now they want to extend their calculations to include special requirements, such as those for older people, whose jaws are often less stable due to age-related bone loss. “Implants are a wonderful way to create functional dentures without affecting the neighboring teeth,” says Professor Stiesch. “We want to ensure that as many patients as possible receive optimal dental care that is tailored to their specific needs and is safe and durable.” However, further research is needed before this can be achieved. Contact has already been established with interested medical technology companies.
The interdisciplinary research network FOR 5250 is a collaboration between Hannover Medical School, Dortmund Technical University, Leibniz University Hannover, the Laser Center Hannover, the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Reutlingen University, and the University of Rostock.
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Further information is available from Prof. Dr Meike Stiesch, stiesch.meike@mh-hannover.de.
Stress test on the chewing simulator: Osman Akbas (left), Dr. Andreas Greuling, and Prof. Dr Meike S ...
Copyright: Karin Kaiser/MHH.
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Stress test on the chewing simulator: Osman Akbas (left), Dr. Andreas Greuling, and Prof. Dr Meike S ...
Copyright: Karin Kaiser/MHH.
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