Most individuals think that a visit to a dental clinic will involve the sounds and feelings associated with a dental drill. Until recently, that assumption was correct as dental drills were the only way to prep a tooth for dental treatments such as crowns, dental cavities procedures and for root canal therapies. Technological advances have recently occurred that will change how dentists address those dental problems in the future.

Archeologists have unearthed proof that dentistry, including tooth drilling has been implemented since 7000 BC. Based on discoveries their theory is that bow drills were originally used to remove tooth decay. The original tools then were used help stimulate the imagination of dental industry inventors. Overtime that gave way to the first electric drill being developed in 1875 to the air turbine hand piece typically used today. A new non-surgical procedure may finally kill the drilling beast.

Dental Cavity Treatment

A bulk of dental problems is caused by dental neglect. Individuals who do not dedicate the proper levels of effort, including brushing, flossing and dental visits, can end up with excess levels of dental plaque or stubborn tartar. Plaque and tartar are actually communities of oral bacteria that are essential to the digestion process. The microscopic critters will feast on simple sugars left behind by teeth and will produce acid as a byproduct. When left unchecked, it is that acid that contributes to dental problems such as tooth decay and cavities.

Traditionally, to treat those conditions a professional dental care provider would use a dental drill to remove the diseased tooth area and fill the void using a dental filling. Thanks to preliminary success with peptide fluids, that anxiety inducing experience may become a thing of the past.

Peptide Fluid Can Kill the Drill

Scientists at the University of Leeds have discovered that an application of peptide fluid can provide a pain-free approach to treating dental decay. The new dental treatment will reverse the damage caused by the tooth decaying acids as eill as help teeth re-build and heal.

Wikipedia defines peptides as “short polymers of amino acids linked by peptide bonds,” and it is that structure that has laid the groundwork for huge forward movement in the dental industry (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peptide). Scientists at the University have successfully created a peptide-based fluid created on the knowledge surrounding tooth formation. The liquid that can be directly applied to a tooth surface and can stimulate tooth regeneration to repair the damage done (http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/233254.php).

The fluid was created at the University of Leeds by the chemistry division. Dr. Amalia Aggeli led the team in the formula development. The fluid contains a peptide called P 11-4 and under specific conditions, the liquid will bond together to make fibers. Once applied, the fluid will seep into the tooth damage and convert into a gel. This gel naturally attracts calcium and can regenerate the tooth’s mineral from the inside out.

May Replace the Drill in Three Years

Although the news has sent a ripple of excitement throughout the dental care profession, patients will still have to wait up to three years until dentists can use the product to solve dental problems. More testing and various levels of approval are needed to ensure the safety of the product before it becomes an addition to dental clinics.

Until that time, preventative dentistry is the best way to minimize the risk of any type of dental problem. Individuals who need to find a dentist to ensure their dental health is up to snuff can call 0900-DENTIST.