New dental gel could spell the end of fillings
A new dental gel that encourages decayed teeth to regenerate could spell the end of fillings.
Researchers in France are currently developing the new product, which will come as a huge boost for patients with dental phobia. Dental phobia and dental anxiety are extremely common and a large proportion of dental patients avoid going to the dentist because they are worried and scared about the treatment they may need or the experience of going to the dentist in general.
The dental gel, which contains MSH, melanocyte-stimulating hormone has been proven to regenerate decayed teeth in just four weeks. The gel works by encouraging cells in the tooth to multiply; these cells replace the cells in the decayed tissue and the tooth is restored to a healthy tooth.
MSH has been a subject of intrigue amongst scientists and researchers for many years; it is usually associated with determining the colour of the skin but researchers have recently turned their attention to the link between MSH and bone regeneration. A research team from the National Institute for Health and Medical Research in Paris investigated the regenerative properties of the hormone and found that it can be highly effective in producing new cells; their findings were published in ACS Nano, the American Chemical Society journal.
The new gel could put an end to traumatic trips to the dentist for fillings; in addition to replacing traditional fillings, the gel will also eradicate the need for the dentist’s drill in certain circumstances. The dental drill triggers fear in many patients and this new technology and scientific knowledge could be extremely comforting for many dental patients. The new procedure will be completely painless and will provide a long term solution to decay. The gel may not be suitable for teeth that have been affected by severe and extensive decay.
Professor Damien Walmsley, of the British Dental Association, said that the new gel is an exciting development; however, he stressed the continued need for good oral hygiene and warned patients that this treatment will not be suitable for severe decay.
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I’ve been waiting for this all my life!! Hats off to the scientists who thought of this.