A new gas-firing apparatus called as non-thermal argon plasma brush could offer a pain-free option to the drill of dentist and can make job of filling even more hard-wearing. The new apparatus looks similar to an electric toothbrush that can clean out cavities from rotten teeth in just thirty seconds.
The new apparatus developed by researchers from the University of Missouri, works by producing high-energy gas and liquid particles to destroy bacteria and blare out the rotten pulp of the tooth. The new apparatus does not affect on the highly sensitive nerves in the teeth and it means less discomfort for the patients.
Tooth decay is the second most frequent health problem after the common cold. It occurred due to bacteria in the mouth. The main food source of the bacteria is sugar, which is why sweet delights hasten tooth damage. Dentists discovered the majority of cavities in the early stages during routine check-ups.
The conventional drill causes pain because the vibrations from the drill trigger signals in sensitive nerves. In existing treatment dentists fill teeth by drilling out the decayed material and replacing it with white or mixture fillings made from a variety of different metals including tin, silver, copper and mercury.
But the new apparatus called the non-thermal argon plasma brush fires out elements which carry a small electrical charge. These cut through the enamel to the middle of tooth, instantaneously destroying all bacteria those come into contact. The charged elements also clean-up the inside of the tooth more cleanly. Consequently, the filling bonds more strongly to the tooth.
The lab studies using the new plasma brush show that fillings are sixty percent stronger than the conventional one. Non-thermal gas plasma treatment will be a painless, tissue-saving technique for dental cavity preparation because of its non-destructive nature, and rapid sterilizing capability, developers of new plasma brush. Human clinical trials are expected to start soon.
In principle it sounds a good idea. So as to access decay it is often necessary to drill through the enamel, which is the hardest material in the body. If this mixture of gas and liquid can be shown to remove enamel it would be a big step forward for dentistry, stated Prof David Bartlett head of prosthodontics at King’s College London Dental Institute.