I have to admit… I’m not the easiest patient in the world. Let alone my ‘sensitivity’ around any treatment (to be read as “I’m a real scaredy cat”), I also ask a ton of questions. I do however love coincidence. On my return from the endodontist recently, April Gocha’s piece in CeramicsTechToday.com crossed my screen. Essentially I learned that “No matter what one’s dental problem, science and materials has us covered” and that “nanotechnology may soon swoop in to save your next cavity.”
Gocha reported that researchers from the Universidade Estadual de Campinas in Brazil recently published a review of new research in nanodentistry with some very promising benefits ahead. The research was published in Trends in Biotechnology under “Advances in dental materials through nanotechnology: Facts, perspectives and toxicological aspects” (DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2015.09.005.)
We’re previously read about how nanocomposite resins containing silica and zirconia nanoparticles help make crowns, implants, etc. that are less prone to fracture or loosening. But further nanotech advances could help dental tissues repair themselves or even protect against infection. Nanoparticles incorporated into dental products could help restore worn enamel to combat gum disease. The news release from the Universidade Estadual de Campinas also notes that “Products could include antimicrobial adhesives made up of carbon nanotubes—creating a kind of wearable toothpaste—or quantum dots combined with cancer-specific antibodies that can be applied inside the mouth, emitting light if they detect any troublesome cells.” Okay… WOW!!
Clik here to view.
Sourced from Technology.org.
Here’s an example… In support of an increasing role of nanotechnology in dentistry, research from UCLA suggests that nanodiamonds could help maintain the strength and health of teeth after root canals. During root canals, dentists drill into teeth in an effort to remove infected dental pulp inside the tooth. Afterwards, they fill the empty space with an inert polymer material called ‘gutta percha’—but the infected pulp isn’t always completely removed. Persistent bacteria can continue to grow in small cavities within the pulp, leading to tooth loss and repeated dental procedures. To help combat those problems, the UCLA researchers now report success in testing the ability of nanodiamond additives to reinforce conventional gutta percha. In addition, adding antibiotic amoxicillin to the nanodiamonds prevented bacterial growth in laboratory experiments. The team is currently optimizing the formula of their nanodiamond-loaded material and plans to begin clinical trials with the material in the next couple of years.
In another initiative, scientists at the University of Groningen in the Netherlands are working towards the ability to replace teeth with even more hygienic options: 3D printed teeth made of antimicrobial plastic. To make sure the new custom teeth are safe, the scientists modified existing polymer dental resins by embedding them with quaternary ammonium salts, which have a positive charge that kills 99% of bacteria by disrupting their negatively-charged membranes.
Gocha’s article touches on other fascinating work in the subject area, including research to understanding human tooth development and regeneration and identifying genes and genetic pathways that naturally direct continuous tooth and taste bud development.
Of course, safety and cost will be the remaining barriers to the new advances, but as we all know “if one thinks it, it will come.” I am confident that scientists and engineers will overcome or work around all basic hurdles.
Until soon… Ian
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