The University welcomes the valuable contributions from agencies, corporations, foundations, and individuals whose support make our mission of extraordinary education, research, and community service possible. We collaborate with schools across Tufts University, as well as nearby colleges and universities, to advance research in biomaterials and restorative dentistry.

Established in 1992, the Dr. J. Murray Gavel Center for Restorative Dental Research has a long history of performing high-quality bench studies in the area of dental materials research. The Center is located at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine in the heart of downtown Boston.

Contact us with your research needs.

Common Testing Methods

  • Compressive Strength
  • Shear Bond Strength
  • Tensile Strength
  • Spectrophotometry
  • Water Absorption & Solubility
  • Microleakage
  • Three-Point Bend
  • Fluoride Release
  • Influence of pH on Dental Materials Vickers/Knoop Microhardness Testing
  • Surface Roughness

 

  • Dental Cements
  • Dental Base/Liners Dental Composites
  • Dental Implants
  • Adhesive Systems
  • Tissue Management Materials
  • Various Indirect Restorative Materials
  • Impression Materials
  • Provisional Materials
  • Glass Ionomers and RMGCIs
  • Prosthetic Materials
  • Endodontic Materials
  • Orthodontic Materials
  • 3D Printed Resin material

Equipment

Learn more about the equipment available at the Gavel Lab and explore published studies that have used this technology.

A high-performance Olympus stereomicroscope SZX16 used as a visual analysis tool to measure the micro-gap or micro-leakage in the tooth structure. It provides accurate observation, imaging, and analysis of samples without standing clarity and detail.

A cutting-edge digital impression system used in dentistry to capture accurate and detailed 3D images of a patient's teeth and oral structures. It utilizes advanced optical technology to replace traditional, uncomfortable dental impressions with a more convenient and patient-friendly digital solution.

A versatile and powerful materials testing machine; Instron 68-TM 10 commonly used in the field of mechanical testing. It is designed to accurately measure and analyze the mechanical properties of a wide range of materials, including metals, plastics, composites, and biomaterials.

This precision cutting Saw; IsoMet 1000 is ideal for delicate parts by only using gravity fed force. Its great versatility in chucking allows for holding all types of sample shapes and configurations giving today’s laboratory a precision cutting machine capable of sectioning virtually any material including teeth, composites, cements, laminates, plastics, and biomaterials.

A specialized device used to simulate brushing actions; Odeme MEV4-XY. It is commonly used to evaluate the performance and durability of toothbrushes, quality control, and regulatory testing within the oral care industry.

The Buehler EcoMet 250 provides simple operation for manual grinding and polishing for sample preparation to be studied and evaluated further.

A specialized instrument; VH1202 used to assess the hardness or resistance to deformation of materials at a microscopic level. By creating indentations (Vickers or Knoop) on the testing surface of the material under specific testing conditions, it quantifies the material’s hardness. It provides valuable information for understanding materials properties and quality control.

A ThermoScientific machine that simulates the thermal stresses that teeth and dental restorations experience in the mouth over time. It features a motorized arm that moves specimens between a heated water bath and frigerated water bath. The effects of aging, such as degradation, microleakage, or changes in mechanical properties, can be studied.

The Biocompatible resin-based SprintRay 3D printers are safe for intraoral use. They can be used to print:

  • Ceramic crowns
  • Clear aligners
  • Indirect bonding trays
  • Night guards
  • Dental models
  • Surgical guides

The Vita Easyshade V device has numerous applications, such as:

  • Basic shade determination for the selection of CAD/CAM materials, materials for direct fillings, and prosthetic teeth
  • Tooth-area shade determination for the fabrication of layered ceramic restorations and for use in bleaching
  • Shade determination for restorations even during fabrication of restorations
  • Quality control through comparison of fabricated ceramic restorations with regard to planned and actual results
  • Intraoral and extraoral shade determination of existing ceramic restorations

Sponsorship Opportunities

The TUSDM research community welcomes inquiries from potential sponsors. Contact Pamela Corrado at pamela.corrado@tufts.edu or 617-636-0389.

For gifts and donations, contact Corporate & Foundation Relations at 617-636-2775.