Dental technology and treatment methods have advanced rapidly in the past few decades. From the development of composite to repair fillings, to the introduction of Invisalign® clear braces to correct malocclusion, patients are far more comfortable in the dental chair than they used to be. There is still room for improvement in the way dentistry is done; the near future provides the potential for more comfortable ways of obtaining bright and beautiful smiles.
Repairing Teeth Decay without Drills
Teeth decay accounts for most of the issues dentists treat in their dental office. Removing decay and restoring a tooth typically requires local anesthesia, drilling, and the use of composites, all of which can be uncomfortable. In an article titled,
“Enamel remineralization: the future of dentistry?”, researchers in the UK have experimented with electrical currents to comfortably and naturally treat issues caused by teeth decay. These currents stimulate remineralization in areas where decay has eaten away at enamel. Combined with a gentle decay removal process, the remineralization could fully restore the integrity of a tooth, reducing the need for future fillings and the chance decay will advance further. Not only could this procedure decrease the use of drills, but also make root canal treatment unnecessary in situations where decay has been caught early on.
Replace Missing Teeth
When it comes to developing methods of restoring lost tissues, stem cells are at the forefront of scientific and public intrigue. These adaptable cells seem perfect for replacing teeth since stem cells can be found in the bone. Scientists at Tufts University are working to get these cells to grow new teeth, as reported by David Levin in his article, “
The Promise of Growing New Teeth.” These researchers are developing ways to grow healthy adult teeth. They build a scaffold which serves as a frame for stem cells to begin growing and introduce a mixture of hormones and nutrients to encourage them to become full adult teeth. The experiments have proven promising and may have significant applications in the future.
Contact Marcia Blazer in Scottsdale for Cutting Edge Dental Care
Our practice implements the latest in dental technology and methods to enhance the quality of your treatments. Dr. Blazer and our whole staff pursues continued education to stay ahead of changes in techniques in the dental field. Everyone at our practice is passionate about oral health and offers a wide range of options to improve it. Call us today for an appointment!