The researchers showed it is possible to soak a small biodegradable sponge with the drug and insert it into a cavity, where it triggers the growth of dentine and repairs the damage within six weeks.
Professor Paul Sharpe, lead author of the study, of the Dental Institute, from King’s College London, said: “The simplicity of our approach makes it ideal as a clinical dental product for the natural treatment of large cavities, by providing both pulp protection and restoring dentine.” The new technique could reduce the need for fillings of cements in dental cavities, which are prone to infection and often need replacing a number of times. The CEO of the Oral Health Foundation considers this as an extremely interesting and novel approach which shows great promise. Natural dental reconstruction and less invasive treatment option for patients are the principal advantages to be considered.
