WELCOME to our lab

​Dental caries is the most prevalent disease worldwide. With this in mind, we develop new approaches for caries diagnostics and monitoring, and we test existing approaches for validity and reliability. We analyze and quantify the oral microbiome to detect the amount of the cariogenic biofilm and to develop new therapeutic approaches. Furthermore, multidisciplinary dental care is an important research area to access oral health-related quality of life. Therefore, we pursue the approach of cross-sectional case studies in patients with chronical diseases (e. g. diabetes, severe heart failure, rheumatoid arthritis) to examine oral health, behavior and life quality. Moreover, we aim to develop concepts for endo- and periodontal treatments.​

Our goal is to develop efficient real-time assessments of adhesive-composite/ceramic restorations in frontal and cheek teeth to identify clinically relevant evaluation parameters. Thus, we conduct controlled clinical in-vitro as well as in-vivo trials to access the performance of adhesives in different application modes. Our expertise is the development and use of innovative quantitative 3D imaging techniques such as optical coherence tomography, µCT and 3D surface scanning. We visualize and measure failure of the composite structure and develop new clinical therapy concepts in prophylaxis.​


Optical coherence tomography using the Telesto II sensor (Thorlabs)

In-vivo composite filling (class V, canine) with prolonged gap at the dentin-composite-interface

µCT (SkyScan 1172-100-50 Bruker)

Composite filling (class II, premolar), µCT-cross section with diverse tooth and restoration structures

The research area of 3D wear analyses is evolving on all scales, and our understanding of the multi-factorial wear process in mammal teeth (incl. humans) is increasing. Our lab aims to open up new research avenues to obtain a better understanding of the biomechanics and scaling of the multifaceted interactions taking place during comminution. We conduct artificial chewing simulations in human teeth in combination with mathematical modelling and actualistic experiments in selected mammalian taxa. Thus, we characterize the repetitive kinematics of the chewing process as well as the subsequent complex changes of the occlusal surface. Considering evolutionary perspectives, we aim to clarify the etiology of the microscopic short- and macroscopic long-time signatures.​


Chewing simulation using a mechanical chewing machine (SD mechatronics) to simulate wear and aging of tooth and restorative materials
3D surface texture model of the tooth surface of a premolar class V cavity before filling

The laboratory is closely connected with other laboratories within Leipzig University Hospital and Leipzig University. We co-operate with various national and international research institutions in applied and basic research as well as with industrial partners. Our repertoire also includes clinical studies for innovative materials, and therapeutic measures in patient care. 

In addition, we develop software and medical device prototypes and offer technical and professional support in the realisation of complex scanning and measurement tasks in 3D imaging. 

We also organise further training for specialist audiences and knowledge transfer from the academic sector to the public.​