Dept. of Crown and Bridge Prosthodontics

We research mainly on the crown and bridge prosthetics, and work on the study to resolve the issues of dental and related area, considering the feedback to the clinical practice.

1) Stomatognathic function : Clarifying the actual situation of grinding (bruxism) during sleep or the daytime using an ultra-miniature wearable EMG device. We aim to establish a tailor-made medical care system by practical use of the system to diagnose bruxism. We are considering the relevance of sleep apnea syndrome (SAS) and bruxism during sleep, and also a dental screening method of SAS.

2) Utilization of digital technology: We are widely studying the application of new digital technology, such as dental CAD/CAM systems and 3D printers (additive manufacturing technology), to the medical field. How to handle 3D data, how to materialize digital data, and how the new generation of systems should work. The applications include models for surgical simulations, crown bridges, and maxillofacial prosthetics. There is a wide range of areas of study. Currently, we are also working on 3D printing of ceramics.

3) Jaw deformities and maxillofacial prosthetics: We have been reporting the results and trends of treatment of patients with jaw deformities who underwent surgical orthognathic surgery. We have also researched materials and coloration of silicone epitheses for soft tissue defects that are difficult to reconstruct (maxillofacial regions such as ears, nose, eyes, etc., and fingers).