A futuristic "plasma jet" that eradicates tooth decay without fillings could soon replace the dentist's drill.
In the study, published in the February issue of the Journal of Medical Microbiology, researchers found that firing low temperature plasma beams at dentin - the fibrous tooth structure underneath the enamel coating - reduced the amount of dental bacteria by up to 10,000-fold.
Tooth Decay - Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment & Prevention
Tooth decay in toddlers, children and adults, also called dental caries, is a bacterial infection causing demineralization and destruction of the hard tissues of the teeth.
Tooth decay in toddlers, children and adults, also called dental caries, is a bacterial infection causing demineralization and destruction of the hard tissues of the teeth.
Researchers at the Leibniz-Institute of Surface Modifications, Leipzig and dentists from the Saarland University, Homburg, Germany, tested the effectiveness of plasma against common oral pathogens including Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus casei. These bacteria form films on the surface of teeth and are capable of eroding tooth enamel and the dentin below it to cause cavities. If left untreated it can lead to pain, tooth loss and sometimes severe gum infections.
In the study, researchers infected dentin from extracted human molars with four strains of bacteria and then exposed it to plasma jets for 6, 12 or 18 seconds. The longer the dentin was exposed to the plasma the greater the amount of bacteria that were eliminated.
Tooth Discoloration Introduction
Tooth discoloration or staining is caused commonly due to smoking, some medicines and poor dental hygiene.
Tooth discoloration or staining is caused commonly due to smoking, some medicines and poor dental hygiene.
"The low temperature means they can kill the microbes while preserving the tooth. The dental pulp at the centre of the tooth, underneath the dentin, is linked to the blood supply and nerves and heat damage to it must be avoided at all costs," the expert said.
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Dental Anesthesia - Types - Modern Anesthetics - Administration - Contraindications And Complications - FAQs
The advent of anesthesia may be regarded as a cornerstone in the development of modern dentistry.
The advent of anesthesia may be regarded as a cornerstone in the development of modern dentistry.
RAS
Bruxism - Incidence Causes Diagnosis Treatment Prevention FAQs
Bruxism is the unconscious clenching or grinding of teeth, during sleep. Nocturnal teeth grinding is one of the most common sleep disorders
Bruxism is the unconscious clenching or grinding of teeth, during sleep. Nocturnal teeth grinding is one of the most common sleep disorders
