Association between dental diseases and oral hygiene care and the risk of vertebral fracture: a nationwide cohort study.

Periodontal disease and increased missing teeth were associated with incident vertebral fractures. In contrast, professional dental cleaning and frequent tooth brushing, was associated with a lower risk of vertebral fracture. Better oral hygiene care attenuated the risk associated with dental diseases. PURPOSE: To investigate the association between oral health and the risk of vertebral fractures. METHODS: We included 2,532,253 individuals aged ≥40 years who underwent the Korean National Health Insurance Service health examinations in 2008 and followed up until December 31, 2017. We performed multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression analyses to evaluate the association between dental diseases and oral hygiene care and the risk of vertebral fractures. RESULTS: Over the 9.3-year median follow-up, 1.46% (n = 36,857) experienced vertebral fractures. Individuals with dental diseases had a higher risk of vertebral fracture than those without (hazard ratio [HR] 1.04, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.02-1.07 for periodontal diseases; 1.02, 1.00-1.05 for dental caries; 1.12, 1.05-1.20 for ≥15 missing teeth). Good oral hygiene care was associated with a lower vertebral fracture risk (HR 0.89, 95% CI: 0.86-0.91 for ≥1 time/year [vs. <1 time/year] of professional dental cleaning; 0.90, 0.87-0.93 for ≥2 times/day [vs. 0-1 time/day] of toothbrushing). The combined dental diseases was significantly associated with an increased vertebral fracture risk, whereas combined oral hygiene care was associated with further risk reduction. Better oral hygiene care reduced vertebral fracture risk associated with dental diseases (all P <0.001). CONCLUSION: Periodontal disease, dental caries, and an increased number of missing teeth were independently associated with higher risks for vertebral fractures. Conversely, improved oral hygiene care, such as personal dental cleaning and frequent tooth brushing, may modify vertebral fracture risks associated with dental disease.

Radiologic comparative analysis between saline and platelet-rich fibrin filling after hydraulic transcrestal sinus lifting without adjunctive bone graft: A randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate implant survival rate, any complications, and changes in residual alveolar bone height (RABH) using saline or platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) filling after hydraulic transcrestal sinus lifting. METHODS: Dental implants were placed after hydraulic transcrestal sinus lifting and the filling of saline (20 patients) or PRF (20 patients). Outcome measurements were implant survival, any complications, and RABH changes. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans were taken and compared preoperatively (T0), immediately postoperatively (T1), at 3 months (T2), 6 months (T3), and 12 months postoperatively (T4), respectively. RESULTS: In a total of 40 patients, 45 implants with a mean length of 10.4 ± 0.8 mm were placed in posterior maxilla of a mean RABH of 6.8 ± 1.1 mm. The increase in RABH peaked at T1, and continuous drooping of the sinus membrane was observed but stabilized at T3. Meanwhile, the gradual increase in the radiopacities was found below the lifted sinus membrane. The PRF filling induced the radiographic intrasinus bone gain of 2.6 ± 1.1 mm, which was significantly more than 1.7 ± 1.0 mm of saline filling at T4 (p < .05). All the implants were in function with no significant complications over the one-year follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: In this randomized case-control study, the feasibility of hydraulic transcrestal sinus lifting without bone graft was confirmed and PRF might be a better filler to support the elevated sinus membrane. However, adjunctive bone grafting should still be indicated for cases requiring more than 2-3 mm of intrasinus bone gain.

Dental Hetero-Graft Materials with Nano Hydroxyapatite Surface Treatment.

We report the development of hydroxyapatite nanoparticle (HAp NP)-functionalized hetero-graft materials (HGMs) for dental applications. These HGMs were prepared by attaching platelet-, needle-, and sphere-shaped HAp NPs to the surface of xenograft materials through chemical conjugation. Although all three HAp NPs contributed to increase the surface area of bone graft material (BGM), the shape of the HAp NPs was a determining factor. Platelet HAp NPs were most effective, because they caused a 48.9% increase in BGM surface area whereas the influence of the spherical NP was only a 6.7% increase. This suggests that geometric factors regarding both the attached HAp NPs and graft material surface are essential in controlling the surface roughness of graft materials. Among the three HAp NPs, it was the platelet HAp NPs that helped to increase the efficacy of the BGM most significantly. Compared with BGM with no HAp NP attachment, HGM with platelet HAp NP ('platelet-HGM) treatment had ~46.1% higher cell attachment and proliferation rate. The MTT assay also showed that the HAp NP-treated hetero-graft materials had negligible cytotoxicity.

Treatment outcome and long-term stability of orthognathic surgery for facial asymmetry: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objective: : This systematic review aimed to provide a comparative analysis of the treatment outcomes, including hard and soft tissues, postoperative stability, temporomandibular disorders (TMD), and quality of life (QoL), in patients with facial asymmetry who underwent orthognathic surgery. Methods: : The primary objective was to address the question, "How do different factors related to surgery affect the outcomes and stability of orthognathic surgery in the correction of facial asymmetry?" A meta-analysis was conducted on the outcome parameters, such as skeletal, dental, and soft tissue symmetry, TMD, QoL, and relapse, using the Hartung-Knapp-Sidik-Jonkman method for random-effects models. Subgroup analyses were conducted considering surgery-related factors such as surgical techniques (one-jaw vs. two-jaw), use of the surgery-first approach, utilization of computer simulation, and analytical methods employed to evaluate asymmetry (2D vs. 3D). Results: : Forty-nine articles met the inclusion criteria. The meta-analysis demonstrated a significant improvement in the symmetry of hard and soft tissues. The subgroup analysis indicated that the treatment outcomes showed significant improvement, regardless of the factors related to surgery. Changes in TMD signs and symptoms varied according to the surgical technique used. Quality of life improved in the facial, oral, and social domains. Skeletal relapse was observed during the follow-up. Conclusions: : Our findings support the positive outcomes of orthognathic surgery in the treatment of facial asymmetry in terms of skeletal and soft tissue improvements, stability, relief of TMD symptoms, and enhancement of QoL. However, most of the included studies showed a low certainty of evidence and high heterogeneity.

Association of Dental Diseases and Oral Hygiene Care With the Risk of Heart Failure in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes: A Nationwide Cohort Study.

Background To evaluate the association of dental diseases and oral hygiene care with incidence of heart failure (HF) among patients with type 2 diabetes. Methods and Results This study included 173 927 patients with type 2 diabetes aged ≥40 years, who underwent Korean National Health Insurance Service health examinations in 2008 and were followed up until the end of 2017. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CIs for HF were estimated using multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression analysis. During a median follow-up of 9.3 years, 1.94% of participants developed HF. An increased number of missing teeth was associated with a higher risk of HF (P<0.001). HRs of HF increased among individuals with ≥15 missing teeth (HR, 1.37 [95% CI, 1.14-1.64]) compared with those without missing teeth. Decreased risk of HF was observed in individuals with ≥1 time/year of professional dental cleaning (HR, 0.93 [95% CI, 0.87-0.99]) and in those with ≥2 times/d of toothbrushing (HR, 0.90 [95% CI, 0.82-0.98]) compared with those without these practices. While combined presence of missing teeth and periodontal disease (P=0.004) or dental caries (P=0.007) increased HF risk, combined oral hygiene care was associated with further HF risk reduction (P=0.024). Better oral hygiene care was associated with decreased HF risk, even as the number of missing teeth increased (P<0.001). Conclusions Among patients with type 2 diabetes, dental diseases and oral hygiene care are important determinants of HF development. Dental disease management and good oral care may prevent HF in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Association between Dental Diseases and Oral Hygiene Care and the Risk of Dementia: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the associations of dental diseases and oral hygiene care with the risk of dementia. DESIGN: Retrospective longitudinal cohort study. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: We conducted a population-based study of individuals in the Korean National Health Insurance System. A total of 2,555,618 participants who underwent cardiovascular and dental screenings in 2008 were included. METHODS: Dental diseases including periodontal diseases, dental caries, and tooth loss were assessed by dentists. Information on oral hygiene care, including professional dental cleaning and the frequency of tooth brushing, was collected using a self-administered questionnaire. Study outcomes were all-cause dementia, Alzheimer's disease (AD), and vascular dementia (VaD). RESULTS: Periodontal diseases [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 1.07, 95% CI 1.04-1.09], dental caries (aHR 1.03, 95% CI 1.00-1.05), and 8-14 missing teeth (aHR 1.07, 95% CI 1.02-1.12) were associated with an increased risk of all-cause dementia. In contrast, either professional dental cleaning or frequent tooth brushing were associated with decreased risks of all-cause dementia (aHR 0.91, 95% CI 0.89-0.93 each; aHR 0.83, 95% CI 0.80-0.86 for both). The increased risks by dental diseases were reduced by oral hygiene care: periodontal diseases with professional dental cleaning (aHR 0.94, 95% CI 0.91-0.98) or tooth brushing ≥2 times/day (aHR 0.97, 95% CI 0.94-1.00) and 1 to 7 missing teeth with professional dental cleaning (aHR 0.94, 95% CI 0.89-0.98) or tooth brushing ≥2 times/day (aHR 0.92, 95% CI 0.89-0.95). Consistent results were noted for AD and VaD and in various subgroup analyses. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS: Periodontal disease, dental caries, and a high number of missing teeth were independently associated with a higher risk of dementia. Conversely, improved oral hygiene care, such as professional dental cleaning and frequent tooth brushing, may modify the risk of dementia associated with dental diseases.

The effect of loading time on marginal bone change of implants immediately placed after extraction: a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study is to compare and analyze the treatment outcomes between two groups which are both immediately placed implant cases, one is immediate loading, and the other is conventional loading group. METHODS: Medical records of the patients who underwent implant treatment which were immediately placed after tooth extraction were analyzed. Demographic data were collected and by using periapical or panoramic radiographic image, marginal bone level and distant crestal bone level were measured. Marginal bone change over time was analyzed and compared between immediate loading group and conventional loading group. RESULTS: A total of 71 patients, 112 immediately placed implants after tooth extraction were initially involved. Measuring was done with implants which had not failed (81). 10 implants were had failed and removed. The others were excluded because of follow-up loss, absence of radiographic image, etc. Demographic data were collected, and measured values were averaged at each follow-up and showed in linear graphs. CONCLUSIONS: In case of immediate implantation of dental implant after extraction, loading time could affect marginal bone level or biological width of the implant. Immediate loading group showed 0.92 mm (mean value) more bone loss compared to conventional loading group at bone-implant contact points 24 months after implantation. At distant crestal points, there was no noticeable difference in bone change pattern between two groups.

Modified high-submandibular appraoch for open reduction and internal fixation of condylar fracture: case series report.

Objectives: Recently a modified high-submandibular approach (HSMA) has been introduced for treatment of condylar fracture. This approach involves an incision line close to the mandibular angle and transmasseteric transection, leading to a low incidence of facial palsy and allowing good visualization of the condyle area, especially the condylar neck and subcondyle positions. This study reports several cases managed with this modified HSMA technique for treating condylar fractures. Materials and Methods: Six cases of condylar fractures treated with modified HSMA technique were reviewed. Results: Three unilateral subcondylar fracture, 1 bilateral subcondylar fracture, 1 unilateral condylar neck fracture, 1 unlateral simultaneous condylar neck and subcondylar fracture cases were reviewed. All the cases were successfully treated without any major complication. Conclusion: Reduction, fixation, and osteosynthesis of condylar fractures via the modified HSMA technique enabled effective and stable treatment outcomes. Therefore, the described approach can be used especially for subcondylar and condylar neck fractures with minimal complications.

Comparison of initial stability parameters and histomorphometric analysis of implants inserted into extraction sockets: human fresh cadaver study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the initial stability parameters (insertion torque value [ITV], implant stability quotient [ISQ], and Periotest value [PTV]) of implants inserted just after tooth extraction in human fresh cadavers and to examine the relationship between initial stability parameters and bone-to-implant contact ratio (BICR). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was undertaken in three fresh human cadavers, which were divided into six groups. A total of 48 sites (four maxillary sites and four mandibular sites in each of the six groups) were selected for the experiment. Extractions were performed under minimal surgical trauma and each manufacturer's recommended formal surgical procedure was followed to place implants. Initial stability parameters (ITV, ISQ via two different instruments, PTV) were measured. Specimens were prepared to analyze histologic findings and BICR. RESULTS: A total of 44 implants were included in this study. Statistically significant correlations were found between ITV and ISQ1 (r = 0.555, P < .001), ITV and ISQ2 (r = 0.398, P < .007), ITV and PTV (r = -0.452, P < .002), ISQ1 and ISQ2 (r = 0.603, P < .001), ISQ1 and PTV (r = -0.576, P < .001), and ISQ2 and PTV (r = -0.423, P < .004). No statically significant correlations were found between BICR and the initial stability parameters. CONCLUSION: The initial stability parameters have statistically significant correlations to each other. However, the initial stability parameters do not seem to present a reliable parameter to predict the area of bone-to-implant contact.

Histologic evidence of a connective tissue attachment to laser microgrooved abutments: a canine study.

Previous research has demonstrated the effectiveness of laser-ablated microgrooves placed on implant collars to support direct connective tissue attachments to altered implant surfaces. Such a direct connective tissue attachment serves as a physiologic barrier to the apical migration of the junctional epithelium and prevents crestal bone resorption. The current prospective preclinical trial sought to evaluate bone and soft tissue healing patterns when laser-ablated microgrooves were placed on the abutment. A canine model was selected for comparison to previous investigations that examined the negative bone and soft tissue sequelae of the implant-abutment microgap. The results demonstrate significant improvement in peri-implant hard and soft tissue healing compared to traditional machined abutment surfaces.

Correlation between bone quality evaluated by cone-beam computerized tomography and implant primary stability.

PURPOSE: To examine the relationship between bone quality, as evaluated by cone-beam computerized tomography (CBCT), and implant primary stability, as measured by resonance frequency analysis (RFA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A preliminary clinical study was conducted in which implant placements were scheduled for 20 patients. The CT scan was obtained after initial drilling, and implant stability was measured with the Osstell Mentor instrument before flap closure. With CBCT, CT numbers of surrounding bone were calculated and the thickness of compact bone was measured at the buccal, lingual, mesial, and distal surfaces of each implant. The correlations between CT numbers and implant stability quotients (ISQs) and between compact bone thickness and ISQs were tested with the Pearson correlation coefficient. RESULTS: Overall, 61 implants were examined in 20 patients. The statistics showed that the CT numbers and the thickness of compact bone had strong correlations to ISQs (P < .025). CONCLUSION: CT scanning was suggested to be effective for evaluating bone quality and predicting initial implant stability.

Sialolithotomy of the submandibular duct using sialendoscopy.

BACKGROUND: Conventionally, indirect radiography has been used to diagnose salivary gland diseases. However, with the development of sialendoscopy, diagnosis and treatment of salivary gland diseases have become more effective. Herein, we report a case of sialolithotomy treated with sialendoscopy and compare it with the existing methods through a literature review. CASE PRESENTATION: Two patients with a foreign body sensation under the tongue and dry mouth visited the Anam Hospital, Korea University. Radiographic examination revealed salivary stones inside the right Wharton duct, and the patients underwent sialolithotomy under local or general anaesthesia. The stones were totally removed, and there were no postoperative complications such as bleeding or pain. CONCLUSION: The development of sialendoscopy has enabled better definitive diagnosis of salivary gland diseases compared with the conventional methods; better treatment outcomes can be obtained when sialendoscopy is used in appropriate cases.

Effect of arthrocentesis on the clinical outcome of various treatment methods for temporomandibular joint disorders.

BACKGROUND: We evaluated the improvement of pain and the increase in mouth opening after temporomandibular joint arthrocentesis and the possible association with various factors such as previous splint treatment, medication, and diagnosis. RESULTS: We studied 57 temporomandibular joint disorder patients who underwent arthrocentesis at Korea University Anam Hospital. These patients (24 males and 33 females, aged between 15 and 76 years) underwent arthrocentesis that was performed by one surgeon. The degree of mouth opening (assessed using the maximum mouth opening: MMO) and pain (assessed using the visual analog scale: VAS) were assessed pre- and post-arthrocentesis. The study also investigated whether treatment modalities other than arthrocentesis (medication and appliance therapy) were performed. Statistical analysis revealed that there was a significant difference in mouth opening and pain after temporomandibular joint arthrocentesis. Preoperative appliance therapy affected the results of arthrocentesis, but it was not statistically significant. With regard to pain relief, preoperative diagnosis did not show a significant difference. However, with regard to maximum mouth opening, patients with disc displacement without reduction with limited mouth opening (closed lock) showed the highest recovery (11.13 mm). CONCLUSION: The average of MMO increase after arthrocentesis was 9.10 mm, and patients with disc displacement without reduction with locking (closed lock) showed most recovery in maximum mouth opening and it was statistically significant. The average pain relief of patients after arthrocentesis was 3.03 in the VAS scale, and patients using anterior repositioning splint (ARS) preoperatively showed the most pain relief.

Tough and Immunosuppressive Titanium-Infiltrated Exoskeleton Matrices for Long-Term Endoskeleton Repair.

Although biodegradable membranes are essential for effective bone repair, severe loss of mechanical stability because of rapid biodegradation, soft tissue invasion, and excessive immune response remain intrinsically problematic. Inspired by the exoskeleton-reinforcing strategy found in nature, we have produced a Ti-infiltrated chitin nanofibrous membrane. The membrane employs vapor-phase infiltration of metals, which often occurs during metal oxide atomic layer deposition (ALD) on organic substrates. This metal infiltration manifests anomalous mechanical improvement and stable integration with chitin without cytotoxicity and immunogenicity. The membrane exhibits both impressive toughness (∼13.3 MJ·m-3) and high tensile strength (∼55.6 MPa), properties that are often mutually exclusive. More importantly, the membrane demonstrates notably enhanced resistance to biodegradation, remaining intact over the course of 12 weeks. It exhibits excellent osteointegrative performance and suppresses the immune response to pathogen-associated molecular pattern molecules indicated by IL-1ß, IL-6, and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor expression. We believe the excellent chemico-biological properties achieved with ALD treatment can provide insight for synergistic utilization of the polymers and ALD in medical applications.

Clinical characteristics and recurrence-related factors of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to investigate the demographic and clinical characteristics of patients with medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) and to elucidate factors affecting recurrence in surgical treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 51 patients who were diagnosed with MRONJ were analyzed according to demographic and clinical features and treatment results through a retrospective chart review from 2013 to 2017 in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Korea University Anam Hospital, Seoul in Korea. RESULTS: Alendronate composed the majority of medication doses (55.6%), followed by ibandronate (20.0%), risedronate (15.6%), and zoledronate (6.7%). Forty patients (88.9%) were given oral medication, and five patients (11.1%) were intravenously treated, and the mean duration of medication use was 61.1±42.9 months. A total of 10 patients (22.2%) had a drug holiday before MRONJ-induced dental treatment lasting an average of 6.8±7.0 months. MRONJ occurred 2.7 times more in the mandible, with 41 cases (73.2%) occurring in the mandible and 15 cases (26.8%) occurring in the maxilla, and the prevalence of affected posterior parts (premolar-molar) was six times greater than that of the anterior parts (incisor-canine) (48 cases vs 8 cases, 85.7% vs 14.3%). The most common dental cause of MRONJ was tooth extraction (69.6%). Regarding recurrence, there was no statistical difference in recurrence rate according to either site or stage. However, recurrence occurred in 4 out of 34 cases (11.8%) in the primary closure group and 9 out of 20 cases (45.0%) in the secondary healing group, and there was a statistical difference with respect to closure technique. CONCLUSION: The identified risk factors in patients taking bone resorption inhibitors can aid dental clinicians in ensuring prevention and proper treatment of MRONJ.

Corrigendum: Clinical characteristics and recurrence-related factors of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw.

[This corrects the article on p. 225 in vol. 44, PMID: 30402414.].

The influence of bone graft procedures on primary stability and bone change of implants placed in fresh extraction sockets.

BACKGROUND: This study was to evaluate the effect of bone graft procedure on the primary stability of implants installed in fresh sockets and assess the vertical alteration of peri-implant bone radiographically. METHODS: Twenty-three implants were inserted in 18 patients immediately after tooth extraction. The horizontal gap between the implant and bony walls of the extraction socket was grafted with xenografts. The implant stability before and after graft procedure was measured by Osstell Mentor as implant stability quotient before bone graft (ISQ bbg) and implant stability quotient after bone graft (ISQ abg). Peri-apical radiographs were taken to measure peri-implant bone change immediately after implant surgery and 12 months after implant placement. Data were analyzed by independent t test; the relationships between stability parameters (insertion torque value (ITV), ISQ abg, and ISQ bbg) and peri-implant bone changes were analyzed according to Pearson correlation coefficients. RESULTS: The increase of ISQ in low primary stability group (LPSG) was 6.87 ± 3.62, which was significantly higher than the increase in high primary stability group (HPSG). A significant correlation between ITV and ISQ bbg (R = 0.606, P = 0.002) was found; however, age and peri-implant bone change were not found significantly related to implant stability parameters. It was presented that there were no significant peri-implant bone changes at 1 year after bone graft surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Bone graft procedure is beneficial for increasing the primary stability of immediately placed implants, especially when the ISQ of implants is below 65 and that bone grafts have some effects on peri-implant bone maintenance.

Evaluation of mandibular lingula and foramen location using 3-dimensional mandible models reconstructed by cone-beam computed tomography.

BACKGROUND: The positions of the mandibular lingula and foramen have been set as indexes for inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) block and ramus osteotomies in orthognathic surgery. This study aimed to evaluate the anatomical structures of mandibular ramus, especially the mandibular lingula and foramen, by analyzing the cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) data of young adults. METHODS: We evaluated 121 sides of hemi-mandibular CBCT model of 106 patients (51 male and 55 female patients; 18 to 36 years old). All the measurements were performed using the 2- and 3-dimensional rulers of OnDemand3D® software. RESULTS: Statistical analysis of the data revealed that there was no significant difference in the mandibular angle between the genders. The mandibular lingula was found to be located at the center of ramus in males, but a little posterior in relation to the center in females. The mandibular lingula was rarely located below the occlusal plane; however, the position of the mandibular foramen was more variable (84.3% below, 12.4% above, and 3.3% at the level of the occlusal plane). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study provide a valuable guideline for IAN block anesthesia and orthognathic surgery. CBCT can be considered effective and accurate in evaluating the fine structures of the mandible.

Sandcastle Worm-Inspired Blood-Resistant Bone Graft Binder Using a Sticky Mussel Protein for Augmented In Vivo Bone Regeneration.

Xenogenic bone substitutes are commonly used during orthopedic reconstructive procedures to assist bone regeneration. However, huge amounts of blood accompanied with massive bone loss usually increase the difficulty of placing the xenograft into the bony defect. Additionally, the lack of an organic matrix leads to a decrease in the mechanical strength of the bone-grafted site. For effective bone grafting, this study aims at developing a mussel adhesion-employed bone graft binder with great blood-resistance and enhanced mechanical properties. The distinguishing water (or blood) resistance of the binder originates from sandcastle worm-inspired complex coacervation using negatively charged hyaluronic acid (HA) and a positively charged recombinant mussel adhesive protein (rMAP) containing tyrosine residues. The rMAP/HA coacervate stabilizes the agglomerated bone graft in the presence of blood. Moreover, the rMAP/HA composite binder enhances the mechanical and hemostatic properties of the bone graft agglomerate. These outstanding features improve the osteoconductivity of the agglomerate and subsequently promote in vivo bone regeneration. Thus, the blood-resistant coacervated mussel protein glue is a promising binding material for effective bone grafting and can be successfully expanded to general bone tissue engineering.

Tunicate-Inspired Gallic Acid/Metal Ion Complex for Instant and Efficient Treatment of Dentin Hypersensitivity.

Dentin hypersensitivity is sharp and unpleasant pains caused by exposed dentinal tubules when enamel outside of the tooth wears away. The occlusion of dentinal tubules via in situ remineralization of hydroxyapatite is the best method to alleviate the symptoms caused by dentin hypersensitivity. Commercially available dental desensitizers are generally effective only on a specific area and are relatively toxic, and their performance usually depends on the skill of the clinician. Here, a facile and efficient dentin hypersensitivity treatment with remarkable aesthetic improvement inspired by the tunicate-self-healing process is reported. As pyrogallol groups in tunicate proteins conjugate with metal ions to heal the torn body armor of a tunicate, the ingenious mechanism by introducing gallic acid (GA) as a cheap, abundant, and edible alternative to the pyrogallol groups of the tunicate combined with a varied daily intake of metal ion sources is mimicked. In particular, the GA/Fe(3+) complex exhibits the most promising results, to the instant ≈52% blockage in tubules within 4 min and ≈87% after 7 d of immersion in artificial saliva. Overall, the GA/metal ion complex-mediated coating is facile, instant, and effective, and is suggested as an aesthetic solution for treating dentin hypersensitivity.