Research by scientists in the US could result in the next generation of dental implants being created.
Researchers at Brown University are looking into the possibility of creating bone implants that can monitor their own condition within the body and release drugs to beat infection if required, Nanowerk reports.
This could enable patients to adapt to their dental implants more quickly and improve bone formation around the new materials.
Lead scientist Thomas J Webster said the use of polypyrrole films and nanotechnology may prove to be extremely useful in the future.
"Few studies have investigated its possible role in decreasing infection and inflammation for orthopaedic applications," he pointed out.
US dentist Dr Yoli DiGiulio recently praised dental implants for being vastly superior to dentures.
She explained they will not click or slip in the mouth and also look better than old-fashioned false teeth because they fit the patient's face more accurately.
