|
Q: What is remineralization?
A: Remineralization is a process in which teeth can regrow dentin,
the material that makes up the inside of the tooth. The significance
of research in remineralization, which is currently underway at
the University of California, is that in certain cases of early-stage
tooth decay, dentists of the future may have the option of using
remineralization rather than being forced to install a filling.
Installation of fillings is one of the most common dental procedures.
The California scientists have had some success in regrowing the
dentin in damaged teeth by using a calcium-rich ion solution. Should
this process become standard operating procedure, dentistry of
the future could rely considerably less on the drill for treating
decay.
Dentistry is not a science that is standing still or that is built
on techniques that are frozen in time. Along the lines of remineralization,
university researchers in Georgia have had success in coating titanium
dental implants with a protein that helps with bone formation. Work
in these and other areas continues. Talk with your dentist about
some of the advances that have taken place in the field since he
started practicing.
|
Top
