Stronger dental fillings

I recently read that a study published in Colloids and Surfaces B: Biointerfaces has stated that Graphene oxide could be used to make strong fillings that do not corrode.

Research suggests that our teeth are under a vast amount of strain and that we chew around 800 times in an average meal. The strain put on teeth can mean that fillings are often required to repair one’s dentition. Graphene is said to be between 100-300 times stronger than steel. [1]

Why do we need fillings?

When a dentist identifies tooth decay, a filling may be the most appropriate treatment in order to prevent further damage to the tooth.  The procedure is relatively straightforward and the dentist may use a drill and administer local anaesthetic to carry out the treatment.

Current fillings

Fillings are generally made up of mercury, silver, or composites and these can corrode and require replacement. However, the study carried out has found that Graphene oxide could be used to add into dental materials to make the filling stronger.

However, as Graphene comes in different forms and can be toxic, research was carried out and it was found that Graphene oxide was least toxic to cells. The next part of the study will be for dental materials to be made with graphene oxide and this will then be tested to see how compatible they are with teeth.

Problems that can occur from poor dental fillings

If the filling has not been adequately prepared, the mixture may not bond properly to the tooth tissue and this may cause the filling to fall out or cause a gap, which could then allow further decay to form, and lead to long lasting toothache as the pulp of the tooth becomes infected.

Further, if the edges of a filling are not smoothed down or shaped correctly, this too can lead to toothache and have an impact on the neighbouring teeth or gums.

In severe cases a person may lose their tooth if the filling cannot be replaced and the tooth has developed further decay which can no longer be treated.

Summary

Hopefully this research will lead to stronger fillings which will last longer for patients and therefore, will not need to be replaced as often.  There is other research taking place into  Electrically Accelerated and Enhanced Remineralisation” (EAER), and it is suggested that it could be available within three years.

This treatment is a tooth-rebuilding technique developed at King’s College London, which encourages teeth to repair themselves by accelerating the natural movement of calcium and phosphate minerals into the damaged tooth. Therefore, if this research is successful, this may eliminate the need for filings.

However, if fillings are required you should attend regular dental appointments to prevent decay being missed and to ensure your teeth are treated.