Means for complete tooth repair instead of fillings at the dentist

Fillings in teeth are soon superfluous?
The walk to the dentist is usually not one of the most pleasant events in life. However, if our teeth are damaged, the resulting holes must be treated. Researchers have now found that a chemical can help to heal small holes in the teeth.

Researchers at the internationally acclaimed King's College London found in an investigation that a particular chemical appears to heal small holes in teeth. For this reason, fillings may become redundant in the future. The physicians published the results of their study in the journal "Science Reports".

Holes in the teeth are very painful and are usually treated by a filling by the dentist. Scientists are now developing a new method to repair holes in their teeth. In this case, the tooth regenerates itself with the help of a drug. (Image: DDRockstar / fotolia.com)

What is dentin?
Teeth actually have limited regenerative capabilities, experts say. They are able to produce a thin layer of so-called dentin. Dentin represents a large proportion of the tooth. In contrast to enamel, dentin can be regenerated throughout life through a process known as biomineralization. However, this regeneration is only possible at the interface with the pulp. But dentin is not able to repair a large cavity.

Previous method of treating holes in teeth
The new type of treatment could lead to effective natural repair. To date, dentists have used a metal or so-called composite of powdered glass and ceramics for tooth decay or tooth decay, the authors of the study explain. However, these fillings often have to be renewed several times during the lifetime.

Tideglusib repairs small holes in mouse teeth
For a long time, physicians have been trying to improve the natural ability of teeth to regenerate. So then larger holes could be treated more effectively. In their research, the experts discovered that a drug called tideglusib helps repair 0.13 mm holes in the teeth of mice.

How does the regeneration of holes in the teeth work??
For treatment, a biodegradable sponge was dipped in the drug and then placed in the cavity. Then a protective layer was applied over the surface, explain the scientists. When the sponge finally disintegrated, it was replaced by dentin, which then healed the tooth. The space originally occupied by the sponge is filled with minerals when regeneration occurs through the dentin. The researchers are now investigating whether this new method can repair larger holes.

New type of treatment could be available in a few years
The new way of treating holes in teeth could be available soon. At best, the technology could already be used within a period of three to five years, says researcher Prof. Sharpe.

Possible risks during treatment
The field of regenerative medicine, which stimulates cells to divide faster to repair damage, is also often associated with concerns about cancer, explain the physicians. Tideglusib changes a number of chemical signals in the cells. These are called Wnt and have already been linked to some tumors. However, the drug has been tested in patients as a potential treatment for dementia.

Electricity for the repair of teeth?
This is just the latest approach to tooth repair. Other researchers at King's College London believe in the positive impact of electricity on strengthening teeth. The electricity should force minerals into the enamel layer, experts say. The group of researchers used a mineral cocktail and then used low electric current to bring the minerals deep into the tooth. An electrically accelerated and improved so-called remineralization can strengthen the tooth and thus reduce dental caries, the scientists claim. (As)