Abstract
Implantable sensors capable of real-time measurements are powerful tools to diagnose disease and maintain health by providing continuous or regular biometric monitoring. In this paper, we present a dental implantable temperature sensor that can send early warning signals in real time before the implant fails. Using a microfabrication process on a flexible polyimide film, we successfully fabricated a multi-channel temperature sensor that can be wrapped around a dental implant abutment wing. In addition, the feasibility, durability, and implantability of the sensor were investigated. First, high linearity and repeatability between electrical resistance and temperature confirmed the feasibility of the sensor with a temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR) value of 3.33 × 10–3/°C between 20 and 100 °C. Second, constant TCR values and robust optical images without damage validated sufficient thermal, chemical, and mechanical durability in the sensor’s performance and structures. Lastly, the elastic response of the sensor’s flexible substrate film to thermal and humidity variations, simulating in the oral environment, suggested its successful long-term implantability. Based on these findings, we have successfully developed a polymer-based flexible temperature sensor for dental implant systems.
Highlights
IntroductionDespite its high success rate, patients with dental implants experience infectious diseases such as peri-implantitis [1,2,3,4]
Dental implants are becoming preferred restorative options to replace missing teeth
After releasing the sensors from the wafer, each sensor was connected to a lab-designed printed circuit board (PCB) and tested for resistance
Summary
Despite its high success rate, patients with dental implants experience infectious diseases such as peri-implantitis [1,2,3,4]. Current diagnostic methods for peri-implantitis are based on the signs and symptoms of the disease. Clinicians investigate color change and/or bleeding in the gingiva, measure probe depth of implant pockets, and review radiographs to determine the bone loss. These methods can be subjective, lack precision, and are time-delayed until the patient already has symptoms and visits a dental clinic. There is no consensus on which set of clinical parameters are most important in diagnosing peri-implantitis accurately and predicting the success of treatment [4,5,6]
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