Many of our patients, except our very young ones, know that decay is caused by bacteria in the mouth which forms a thin film of plaque over the teeth. When sugary or starchy foods are introduced, this bacteria secrets acids. These acids eat at the tooth until a cavity is formed. What most people don't realize is that your teeth actually fight against decay and are able to make minor repairs to themselves using calcium and phosphate in the saliva, water, and fluoride. It is only when the tooth is depleted of these essential minerals, after repeated assaults by the acids on the enamel, that the bacteria is able to create a cavity and a need for dental fillings.
When it comes to dental fillings, we are always interested in improvements in technology that will make them better for patients. If you remember, it was not that long ago that most fillings were made of metal which made it obvious which teeth previously had cavities. We now offer white dental fillings that can be used, allowing us to inexpensively repair more prominent teeth while also giving you the clean white look that so many patients craved. The science behind dentistry continues to evolve. In 2012, the University of Maryland Dental School came up with a new cavity filling system that was designed to fill the cavity, but also to kill any residual bacteria that may have survived the cleaning, and was also said to help the tooth regrow some of the tissue that had been lost in the fight to the bacteria. The use of silver nanoparticles, in addition to ammonia, made the primer, the bonding agent, and the filling itself involved in the process of killing off any bacteria that remained.
While this particular method remains in clinical trials, it is an example of the kind of innovation being tested in laboratories across the country with the goal of making dental work less necessary. If we are able to help the natural order of enamel in re-growing and regenerating itself, combine that with a system that kills all bacteria, and provide you with the means to avoid cavities in the future, it will be a huge accomplishment for the dental world. In our dental office, we will continue to watch as this new technology develops and to provide you, our patients, with the best possible dental care.
