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The Creation of Cavity Fighting Fillings
Scientists have created a cavity-filling composite that kills harmful bacteria preventing future cavities. The cavity is also able to help regenerate tooth structure lost to bacterial decay. They do this by implanting a cavity filling that limits the acidic levels of in the mouth, limiting the amount the bacteria can wear away at the tooth. This is currently being crafted at the University Of Maryland School Of Dentistry using a kind of nanotechnology they are referring to as nanocomposites.
Nanocomposites are defined as a type of multiphase solid material that is scaled repeatedly in different phases that are used repeatedly to create a material. In practical terms, nanocomposites differ from conventional composite materials due to the exceptionally high surface to volume ratio of the reinforcing phase and/or its exceptionally high aspect ratio. The reinforced materials are typically made up of particles (in this case minerals) that help keep the general shape and strength.
Tooth decay generally refers to when a tooth is being dissolved by the organic wastes that reside in out mouth, forming plaque and tartar. These organisms convert carbohydrates to acid that wears away at our teeth’s structure. When a dentist drills out a decaying tooth, the cavity still contains bacteria. While it’s not possible to remove all the damaged tissue, is possible to negate the harmful effects of the left over bacteria. The left over bacteria and wastes run the risk of further damaging the tooth, and the tactic used with these nanocomposites is to neutralize the effects of the acidic wastes and bacteria.
It is implemented by dentists who are preparing to handle a cavity and they make a cavity filling that sticks tight to the tissue of a tooth made of a primer of anti-bacterial. The cavity filling is then placed in naturally and cover the internal surfaces of a tooth. The nanocomposite is projected as lasting longer than the typical five to ten years, though how long they actually last has yet to be fully tested since the composite is still very new but researchers are remaining optimistic.
How the composite works is that it naturally breaks down very slowly releasing particles of itself in the mouth. Since it is built mostly of calcium phosphate the particles of the filling can help regenerate tooth minerals that have been lost and help keep teeth healthier. These particles also have a particularly high pH, and this alkaline pH limits the acid byproduct created by the bacteria.
The new product is currently planned to be used in animal products and human volunteers, where they can gain more information on the procedure and how the cavity fillings actually will affect people who decide to try it.
Teeth Tattoos
If you thought extreme tattooing could not get any crazier, prepare yourself to think again.
Do you want to show the world how much you love your partner or significant other? Get their initials on your incisors! This is the latest craze and trend in tattooing for the hardcore or for those who ran out of skin real estate.
Tattooing teeth is not exactly similar to tattooing skin. The actual tattoos are not applied to the natural tooth structure. These tattoos are actually applied either to porcelain veneers or crowns which later bonded to the teeth.
The process of teeth tattoos
Your first appointment
The process of tattooing teeth starts with the application of local anesthetics to the tooth you desire to upgrade. Similar to getting fillings, the tooth will require numbing. Once the numbing has taken effect, the dentist prepares the tooth by removing the required amount of tooth to attach the veneer- structurally similar to either a dental veneer or a crown. Once the preparation is complete a putty impression is taken.
This putty impression is sent to the dental lab where the lab technician pours stone into the impression to create a stone model that mimics your tooth preparation. The magic begins when the stone model of your teeth sets to the desired hardness; this is where the artistic creation of your tooth tattoo begins. The lab technician will either apply the porcelain through layering techniques or press techniques adding the desired art selected by you.
Some people may choose to have the logo of your favorite NFL or NBA team. Others may choose to have particular initials or religious signs. Whatever you choose as your tooth art, keep in mind that it will be permanent and it is not covered by your dental insurance.
At the end of your first appointment, the dentist will place a temporary veneer or crown to cover your tooth until the final veneer or crown fabrication is completed by the dental lab.
Your Second appointment
Generally it takes 2-3 weeks for the lab technician to complete the final veneer or crown. At the beginning of your second appointment, the dentist numbs your tooth once again followed by the removal of the temporary veneer or crown. The final veneer or crown is then placed on the tooth, when the bite and the fit is adequate and once you approve the look and feel of the tooth, the dentist will then cement it in permanently.
Pros and Cons of teeth Tattoos
Pros
Teeth tattoos can give you the ability to express yourself in a unique way different than the conventional tattoos
Cons
Unnecessary removal of tooth structure
Weakening of the tooth and compromising longevity
Risk of damaging the nerve
The tooth may require a root canal after such procedure
Cost: Teeth tattoos cost between $800-$1200 per tooth
Removal and replacement of tattooed restorations can be expensive
The fact is teeth tattoos can be more damaging than skin tattoos. Once tooth structure has been removed, it is gone forever. I am a dentist in a private practice and I have dedicated myself to giving my patients the best treatment possible. I choose not to perform these types of restorations.
Not because I dislike tattoos.
The mere fact that I may risk losing a tooth unnecessarily for one of my patients is just unacceptable to me.
Dental Tattoo Gallery
- celebrity tattoos on teeth
- Amy wine house tattoo on a tooth