Development of Dental Implantable Temperature Sensor for Real-time Diagnosis of Infectious Disease

Published

July 16, 2020

Author(s)

Jeffrey J. Kim, Gery R. Stafford, Carlos R. Beauchamp, Shinae Kim

Abstract

Real-time monitoring implantable sensors are powerful tools to diagnose disease and maintain health by providing continuous monitoring. In this paper, we present a dental implantable temperature sensor that can send early warning signals in real time before a dental implant fails. Using a microfabrication process on a flexible polyimide substrate, 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 between electrical resistance and temperature confirmed the feasibility of the sensor with a Temperature Coefficient of Resistance (TCR) value of 3.33 x 10-3 /°C. Secondly, constant TCR values and robust optical images validated sufficient thermal, chemical, and mechanical durability in its performance and structures. Lastly, the elastic response of the sensor's flexible substrate film to thermal and humidity variations present 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.

Citation

Sensors

Volume

20

Issue

14

Pub Type

Journals

Download Paper

https://doi.org/10.3390/s20143953

Local Download

Keywords

implantable temperature sensor, dental implants, peri-implantitis, flexible polyimide substrate, microfabrication, local and continuous monitoring, early diagnosis, Dentistry

Citation

Kim, J. , Stafford, G. , Beauchamp, C. and Kim, S. (2020), Development of Dental Implantable Temperature Sensor for Real-time Diagnosis of Infectious Disease, Sensors, [online], https://doi.org/10.3390/s20143953, https://tsapps.nist.gov/publication/get_pdf.cfm?pub_id=930422 (Accessed May 5, 2026)

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