Parx Plastics NV has announced the incorporation of a new joint venture under the name of Zinkh NV, to exclusively market its proprietary antimicrobial technology in dental applications.
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Positive trial results for Parx Technology in dental applications
"This technology has the potential to change the world of dentistry."
The first in vivo trials incorporating the antimicrobial and antibiofilm technology show significant benefits of the technology in contact with damaged gums as it delivers faster healing following prosthetic surgery, and in contact with teeth as it prevents plaque build-up.
A precious trace element for oral health
The Parx Plastics technology is derived from biomimicry and makes use of Zinc, a trace element of valuable importance for all life. In the oral cavity, it is naturally present in dental plaque, dental hard tissues and saliva and is proven to be effective against common prevalent oral health problems such as dental caries, gingivitis, periodontitis and malodor.
It is already being used in various oral health care products to control the formation of dental plaque and inhibit the formation of dental calculus.
Preventing plaque build-up over night
The first in vivo trials are showing promising results for preventative applications. Tests led by Dr Gianluca di Chiaro in Italy are indicating reduced plaque build-up when wearing a dental appliance that uses Parx Plastics antimicrobial technology.
Within this context, the long-term goal is to develop a so-called prevention tray that helps susceptible patients maintain oral health by reducing excessive bacteria build-up throughout the night.
Di Chiaro said: “The curing times seen after placement of dental prosthesis, applying a custom fit Zinkh plate on the damaged gum and tissue, are unprecedented. This technology has the potential to change the world of dentistry and seriously reduce infection risks associated with these procedures.”
In parallel, Di Chiaro has documented experiments that visualise how Parx Plastics’ technology helps to reduce the bacteria on the surgical site both before and after the surgery. These tests have laid the foundation for the development of custom dental appliances that will dramatically reduce the risk of perio-implantitis and the implant failure that comes along with the disease.