Research from scientists has shown that breakthrough technology could allow patients to get treatment for decay without the need for drills and fillings. A new laser has been designed to blast the tooth and kick-start the healing process, allowing new dentine to form inside the stem cells at the centre of the tooth.
The study revealed that the laser method could build an entire living tooth in a laboratory but the new technique is thought to be better because the tooth is treated inside the mouth, which allows the repair work to benefit from the body’s natural healing process.
Researcher Praveen Arany, of the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research in Maryland, said that the treatment could possibly replace root canal fillings but may not do away with fillings altogether – depending on the type of decay affecting the teeth. Dr Arany is hopeful that tests on patients can start soon.
Although growing dentine back is useful, Professor Chris Mason, of University College London, remains cautious about the developments, saying that re-growing enamel is going to be much harder. Professor Mason added that the procedure could become popular with both patients and health-care providers by lowering the cost of treatment and minimising the invasive nature of dental surgery.