Implants Gain a Sense of Touch with New Bio-Coating

Tufts Researchers Pioneer ‘Smart’ Implants Mimicking Natural Teeth

Millions seeking tooth replacement may soon experience a more natural feel, thanks to a breakthrough at Tufts University. Scientists have developed a novel dental implant designed to restore sensory feedback, potentially revolutionizing how these devices integrate with the body.

Replicating Natural Tooth Function

Traditional titanium implants, while effective, lack the crucial connection to the nervous system present in natural teeth. According to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, over 3 million Americans have dental implants, but many experience a disconnect from the sensation of biting and chewing. Jake Jinkun Chen, a professor at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, explains that “Natural teeth connect to the jawbone through soft tissue rich in nerves, which help sense pressure and texture and guide how we chew and speak. Implants lack that sensory feedback.”

The Tufts team addressed this limitation by creating an implant coated with a biodegradable material containing stem cells and a protein that encourages nerve growth. As the coating dissolves, it releases these elements, fostering the development of new nerve tissue around the implant.

Minimally Invasive Technique Preserves Nerves

Alongside the bio-coating, researchers developed a gentler surgical approach. The implant is wrapped in tiny, rubbery nanofibers that compress for insertion and then expand to snugly fit the socket. This minimizes damage to surrounding nerves, a common issue with conventional implant procedures.

“This new implant and minimally invasive technique should help reconnect nerves, allowing the implant to ‘talk’ to the brain much like a real tooth,”

—Jake Jinkun Chen, Professor of Periodontology

This innovation isn’t limited to dentistry. Chen believes this technology “could transform other types of bone implants, like those used in hip replacements or fracture repair.” A recent report by the National Institutes of Health estimates that over 1 million hip replacements are performed annually in the United States, highlighting the potential impact of improved bone integration techniques. NIH Hip Replacement Statistics

Promising Early Results in Rodents

Initial testing in rats showed the implants remained stable after six weeks, with no signs of inflammation or rejection. Imaging revealed a unique integration pattern—the implant connected through soft tissue rather than direct fusion with the bone, potentially allowing for nerve regeneration. The research was led by Siddhartha Das, along with Qisheng Tu, Zoe Zhu, and Subhashis Ghosh from Tufts University.

While these findings are encouraging, further research is needed. The team plans to conduct preclinical studies to confirm that the newly grown nerves effectively transmit sensory information to the brain before moving to human trials. The next phase will focus on verifying brain activity in response to the implant.