New nanocomposites may mean more durable tooth fillings

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A calcium phosphate nanocomposite filling in a tooth. The nanocomposite can smartly release decay-fighting agents to buffer against acids produced by bacteria and rebuild the lost tooth minerals by releasing ions into the mineral-deficient area of th ...
A calcium phosphate nanocomposite filling in a tooth. The nanocomposite can "smartly" release decay-fighting agents to buffer against acids produced by bacteria, and rebuild the lost tooth minerals by releasing ions into the mineral-deficient area of the tooth. Credit: NIST

The mouth is a tough environment—which is why dentists do not give lifetime guarantees. Despite their best efforts, a filling may eventually crack under the stress of biting, chewing and teeth grinding, or secondary decay may develop where the filling binds to the tooth. Fully 70 percent of all dental procedures involve replacements to existing repairs, at a cost of $5 billion per year in the United States alone.


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All News summaries for April 27, 2007

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