Michael Detamore, PhD
University of Oklahoma – Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Regenerative Engineering of a Patient-Fitted Temporomandibular Joint Prosthesis
Abstract:
The proposed technology is designed to regenerate the top of the jaw bone, including the cartilage, in cases where the tissues of the jaw joint (i.e., temporomandibular joint, or TMJ) become severely degenerated. Patients with advanced TMJ disorders experience pain and limited function in everyday activities including eating, laughing, talking, and yawning. Using 3D printing, a custom-made implant can be created that promotes integration of the body with the implant to eventually turn into new bone and cartilage. In time, we believe our biological approach will be able to replace metal-plastic devices for many future patients with degenerative TMJ disorders.