Top Stories - Posted by Paula Gould-Leeds on Friday, August 26, 2011 9:58 - 7 Comments 
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(3 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5) Loading ...Dental work without the ouch (really!)
A paint-on non-invasive peptide dental repair that doesn't involve drilling may get people back into the dentist chair and help end the cycle of tooth decay. (Credit: iStockphoto)
U. LEEDS (UK) — A peptide solution that is painted on teeth takes the pain out of fighting dental decay by helping damaged teeth regenerate themselves.
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The text of this article by Futurity is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-No Derivatives License.
Tooth decay begins when acid produced by bacteria in plaque dissolves the mineral in the teeth, causing microscopic holes or “pores” to form. As the decay process progresses the micro-pores increase in size and number to the point that eventually the damaged tooth may have to be drilled and filled, or even removed.
“This may sound too good to be true, but we are essentially helping acid-damaged teeth to regenerate themselves. It is a totally natural non-surgical repair process and is entirely pain-free too,” says Jennifer Kirkham, a professor at the University of Leeds Dental Institute.
Researchers led by Amalia Aggeli designed the fluid that contains a P 11-4, a peptide that will assemble together into fibers under certain conditions. In practice, this means that when applied to the tooth, the fluid seeps into the micro-pores caused by acid attack and spontaneously forms a gel. The gel in turn provides a scaffold or framework that attracts calcium and regenerates the tooth’s mineral from within, providing a natural and pain-free repair.
When tested on a small group of adults with initial signs of tooth decay, the gel showed it can reverse damage and regenerate tooth tissue.
“The results of our tests so far are extremely promising,” says Paul Brunton, who is overseeing patient testing. “If these results can be repeated on a larger patient group, then I have no doubt whatsoever that in two to three years time this technique will be available for dentists to use in their daily practice.
“The main reason that people don’t go to the dentist regularly is fear. If we can offer a treatment that is completely non-invasive, that doesn’t involve a mechanical drill, then we can change that perceived link between dental treatment and pain.
“This really is more than filling without drilling, this is a novel approach that enables the patients to keep their natural teeth.”
More news from University of Leeds: www.leeds.ac.uk/news
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7 Comments
davies
Sounds possible. Count me in for the larger patient trial
Funny, they claim there is no need for drilling. How are they going to remove the plaque and to clean the hole for pouring this gel in? Laser drilling?
If this is a good chemical, we will see it in the market within 3 years. But this kind of magical dental filling has been popped up once every few months for a long time. We still have not seen anything like that on the market.
Peptides will revolutionize many medical treatments and procedures. This is exciting!
Duude
This could ruin the practice of dentistry for thousands of dentists. How much cooler would it be if they could produce an over the counter product as well?
Dave
Aren’t there some natural peptides that would work a little?
Proteins that are in a natural growing tooth.
“This may sound too good to be true
Regenerative medicine is getting very interesting. In essence we can re-grow teeth now? That’s phenomenal!