Scientists Develop New Chilled Mask to Tackle Tooth Pain
Scientists have developed a new way of tackling dental pain. The Hilotherm mask, which is designed to combat toothache and reduce pain and swelling following an extraction procedure, is currently being trialled at King’s College Hospital NHS Trust in London.
As part of the trial, patients who have had wisdom teeth extracted will wear the mask for an hour. The theory behind the mask is related to inflammation resulting from any kind of trauma. Inflammation causes the blood vessels to widen, thus increasing blood flow and contributing to swelling. The mask uses cool temperatures to narrow the blood vessels, restricting blood flow to the affected area. Researchers have discovered that 15 degrees is the optimum temperature for blood vessel narrowing and as a result, the mask never falls below 15 degrees.
The mask is currently being trialled by patients in London and it is easy to use. It is powered by a bedside pump that causes the water to flow through the mask. During the trial, patients will wear the mask immediately after wisdom tooth surgery. In order to measure the efficacy, the mask will be worn on one side only so that it can be compared to the side without the mask. To evaluate the treatment, researchers will carry out analysis on swelling and pain 3, 10 and 24 days after surgery. The team will use 3D photographs to assess inflammation and compare the treated side of the face with the untreated side.
Professor Damien Walmsley, scientific adviser to the British Dental Association, said that the results of the trial will be very interesting, especially if they are positive, as this system offers a low-cost remedy for a common dental issue.
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