The overall mission of TTI is the development of new innovative technologies for the detection and prevention of dental caries and other preventable dental maladies and the commercialization of these technologies for use in both humans and companion animals. There are presently four active divisions of TTI, and each has specific goals and responsibilities as well as staff members.
Caries Detection Instrument
It is well known that the pre-cavitation portion of the caries process involves daily periods of enamel demineralization over a prolonged period on time ranging from 2 to 5 years. It has also been recognized by dental practitioners and scientifically demonstrated that it is possible to reverse the caries process through measures that induce and facilitate remineralization of the enamel. It follows that the detection of the caries process during these early periods of excessive demineralization but well in advance of cavitation provides the opportunity for the implementation of professional intervention measures to reverse and control the process rather than revert to restorative procedures after the lesion has developed into the advanced cavitation phase.
The results of a number of laboratory and clinical investigations have clearly demonstrated that Quantitative Light Fluorescence (QLF) is the most accurate instrument available at this time for early caries detection. This instrument utilizes changes in the optical properties of enamel that occur during demineralization to detect the presence of demineralization and to quantitatively monitor changes in the amount of mineral loss that may occur over a period of time between normal dental visits. Unfortunately, however, this instrument is rather expensive and is quite cumbersome to use; thus, while it is an excellent instrument for use in dental research it is not appropriate for use in routine dental practices.
As a result, a major mission of TTI is the development of a practical instrument that has the capability of detecting very early enamel demineralization (mineral loss) and monitoring the remineralization of the lesion. With financial support from the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research for a Small Business Innovative Research grant and from Indiana’s 21st Century Research & Technology Fund, this research program has made remarkable progress and prototype instruments are presently being evaluated in both laboratory and clinical situations.
Tartar Shield Pet Products
While a faculty member at the Indiana University School of Dentistry, Dr. Stookey developed several systems for preventing dental calculus in companion animals. During the past two years, we have licensed these patented developments and developed marketable products utilizing these additives. Under the direction of Lisa Hoover, we have also developed additional systems for the prevention of dental problems in dogs and cats and incorporated these systems into innovative and unique products. Clinical studies have been conducted to document the dental health benefits of the products. These products were introduced in Indiana in July 2006 under the Tartar Shield brand and are being marketed only through veterinary clinics. The products include a series of innovative extruded rawhide products, cat treats and dog biscuits. More information regarding each of these products is available at: www.TartarShield.com
Literature Cited
Stookey, G.K.; Warrick, J.M.; Miller, L.L.: Sodium Hexametaphosphate (HMP) Significantly Reduces Calculus Formation in Dogs. Am. J. Vet. Res., 56(7):913-918, 1995.
Stookey, G.K.; Warrick, J.M.; Miller, L.L.; Katz, B.P.: Hexametaphosphate-Coated Snack Biscuits Significantly Reduce Calculus Formation in Dogs. J. Vet. Dent., 13(1):27-30, March, 1996.
Stookey, G.K.; Warrick, J.M.; Miller, L.L.; and Butcher, S.K.: Reducing Calculus Formation in Dogs with HMP-Coated Rawhide. Proceedings of the Fourth World Veterinary Dental Congress, Vancouver, B.C., pp 65-67, 1995.
Warrick, J.M.; Stookey, G.K.; Miller, L.L.; and Butcher, S.K.: Reducing Calculus Formation in Cats with HMP-Coated Snack Foods. Proceedings of the Fourth World Veterinary Dental Congress, Vancouver, B.C., pp 68-70, 1995.
Warrick, J.M.; Miller, L.L.; Ross, S.R. and Stookey, G.K.: Reducing Oral Malodor and Calculus Formation in Dogs. J Dent Res 75:430 (Abstract #3303), 1996.
Inskeep, G.A.; Warrick, J.A.; Inskeep, T.K.; Kukulewicz, L.; and Stookey, G.K.: HMP-Coated Diet Reduces Calculus in Dogs in a Clinical Practice. Conference Proceedings, 12th Annual Veterinary Dental Forum, New Orleans, Louisiana, November 19-22, 1998
Stookey, G.K.; Warrick, J.M.; Kantmann, C.L.; Blackburn, E.O.; Ewing, T.H.; Moore, J.L.; Kiefer-Heck, S.L.: The Use of Carboxylic Acids to Reduce Calculus Formation in Dogs and Cats. Conference Proceedings, 14th Annual Veterinary Dental Forum, pp 119-122, October 2000.
Warrick, J.M.; Stookey, G.K.; Inskeep, G.A.; Inskeep, T.K.; Ewing, T.E.: Reducing Calculus Accumulation in Dogs Using an Innovative Rawhide Treat System Coated with Hexametaphosphate. Proceedings, 15th Annual Veterinary Dental Forum, October 2001.
Warrick, J.M.; Stookey, G.K.; Inskeep, G.A.; Inskeep, T.K.; Ewing, T.E.: Reducing Calculus Accumulation in Dogs Using an Innovative Rawhide Treat System Coated with Hexametaphosphate. Proceedings, 15th Annual Veterinary Dental Forum, October 2001.
Stookey, G.K.; Warrick, J.M.; Inskeep, G.A.: Dental Health Benefits of Additives to an Innovative Soft Rawhide Product for Small Dogs. Proceedings, 17th Annual Veterinary Dental Forum, pp 166-168, November 2003.
Stookey, G.K.; Warrick, J.M.: Calculus Prevention in Dogs Provided Complete Diets Coated with HMP. Conference Proceedings, 19th Annual Veterinary Dental Forum, pp 417-421, October 2005.
Dental Product Testing
This program was developed as a service to dental product manufacturers and provides manufacturers a means of obtaining various types of data to document product benefits for dental health. This laboratory and clinical testing service is directed by Bruce Schemehorn and he has been conducting and directing these test procedures since 1975. This service includes a wide range of standard and commonly used tests including enamel fluoride uptake, enamel solubility reduction, radioactive dentin abrasion, radioactive enamel abrasion, fluoride stability tests, enamel whitening tests, in situ fluoride uptake and remineralization tests, laboratory remineralization tests, and pH cycling tests. In addition specially designed tests are commonly performed as required for unique products and delivery systems.
Pertinent Literature References
Stookey, G.K., and Schemehorn, B.R.: Studies Evaluating a Fluoride-Containing Prophylactic Cup. Dent. Hyg., 50:253-257, 1976.
Stookey, G.K., and Schemehorn, B.R.: A Method for Assessing the Relative Abrasion of Prophylaxis Materials. J. Dent. Res., 58:588-592, 1979.
Schemehorn, B.R.; McDonald, J.L.; and Stookey, G.K.: The Use of the Beagle Dog as a Dental Stain Model. J. Dent. Res., 61(8):1028-1030, 1982.
Stookey, G.K.; Burkhard, T.A.; and Schemehorn, B.R.: In Vitro Removal of Stain with Dentifrices. J. Dent. Res., 61(11):1236-1239, 1982.
Schemehorn, B.R.; McDonald, J.L.; Stookey, G.K.; and Park, K.K.: An Incisor Plaque Model in Rats. J. Dent. Res., 63:32-36, 1984.
Stookey, G.K.; Schemehorn, B.R.; Cheetham, B.L.; Wood, G.D.; and Walton, G.V.: In Situ Fluoride Uptake from Fluoride Dentifrices by Carious Enamel. J. Dent. Res., 64:900-903, 1985.
Stookey, G.K.; Schemehorn, B.R.; and Choi, K.L.: In Vitro Studies of the Hard-Tissue Abrasivity of a New Home Plaque-Removal Instrument. Compendium of Continuing Education, 6(Supplement 6):S152-S155, 1985.
Katz, S.; Park, K.K.; Stookey, G.K.; and Schemehorn, B.R.: Development and Initial Testing of a Model for In Vitro Formation of Pit and Fissure Caries. Caries Res., 20:424-428, 1986.
Bowman, W.D.; Wietfeldt, J.R.; Faller, R.V.; Agricola, F.O.; Schemehorn, B.R.; Stookey, G.K.; White, D.J.: In situ fluoride uptake from NaF dentifrices: Dose response and effects of a novel enhanced delivery system. Am. J. Dent., 1(3):105-111, June, 1988.
Bowman, W.D.; Evans, M.D.; Wietfeldt, J.R.; Faller, R.V.; Agricola, F.O.; Schemehorn, B.R.; Stookey, G.K.; Dunipace, A.J.; White, D.J.: In situ fluoride uptake from 0.05% neutral NaF mouthrinses: Effects of a novel enhanced delivery system. Am. J. Dent., 1(3):113-117, June, 1988.
Barbakow, F.; Imfeld, T.; Lutz, F.; Stookey, G.; Schemehorn, B.: Dentin Abrasion (RDA), Enamel Abrasion (REA) and Polishing scores of Dentifrices Sold in Switzerland. Schweiz. Monatsschr Zahnmed, 99:408-413, 1989.
Park, K.K.; Schemehorn, B.R.; Bolton, J.W.; and Stookey, G.K.: The Impact of Chewing Sugarless Gum on the Acidogenicity of Fast-Food Meals. Am J Dent., 3:231-235, 1990.
Gomez, S.S.; Stookey, G.K.; Schemehorn, B.R.; and Wood, G.D.: An In vitro Incipient Lesion Study of Fluoride Bioavailability from Four Dentifrices. J. Chilean Dent. (Odontologia Chilena), 39:73-77, 1991.
Park, K.K.; Schemehorn, B.R.; Stookey, G.K.; Butchko, H.H.; and Sanders, P.G.: Acidogenicity of high-intensity sweeteners and polyols. Amer. J. Dent., 8(1):23-26, 1995.
Schemehorn, B.R. and Zwart, A.C.: The Dentin Abrasivity Potential of a New Electric Toothbrush. Am J Dent 9:S19-S20, 1996.
Schemehorn, B.R. and Henry, G.M.: A laboratory investigation of stain removal from enamel surface: Comparative efficacy of three electric toothbrushes. Am J Dent 9:S21-S24, 1996.
Yu, D; Schemehorn, B.R.; Luo, D; Kohut, B.E.; Parikh, R. and Santos, S.L.: Stain Removal Efficacy of Two New Fluoride Dentifrices Containing Essential Oils. Amer J Dent 13:23C-25C, 2000.
Zimmer, S., Barthel, C.R., Schemehorn, B.R. and Imfeld, T.: A New Fluoride-Releasing Rubber Cup for Professional Oral Hygiene. J Clin Dent 13:253-257, 2002
Ando, M.; Arora, P.; Doi, T.; Schemehorn, B.R.; Eckert, G.J.; Stookey, G.k.: Characteristics of Early Stage of Enamel Demineralization In Vitro. In Proceedings, 6th Annual Indiana Conference, Early Detection of Dental Caries III, GK Stookey, Ed, Indiana University School of Dentistry, 363-374, 2003.
Schemehorn, B.R., Gonzalez-Cabezas, C. and Joiner, A.: A SEM Evaluation of a 6% Hydrogen Peroxide Tooth Whitening Gel on Dental Materials In Vitro. J Dent 32: 35-39, 2004.
