Dentists may soon be getting a potent new weapons with which to wage the global fight against cavities. The University of Maryland has developed a novel new nanocomposite material that can be used not only as filling for cavities, but that will also kill any remaining bacteria in the tooth and regenerate the actual structure lost to decay.
The nanocomposite is made up of silver nanoparticles and calcium phosphate nanoparticles, both of which are piped into the tooth as filler for a cavity. The silver nanoparticles along with a few other ingredients in the material kill off whatever bacteria is still lingering inside the tooth, paving the way for the calcium phosphate to regenerate tooth minerals. Over time, the tooth strengthens again.
But as IEEE Spectrum notes, the silver nanoparticles could prove to be problematic, and this is probably why this treatment is offered as a cavity filling rather than a toothpaste or mouthwash. Silver nanoparticles aren’t totally understood, and there have been some concerns voiced about the potential risks and perils associated with ingesting the stuff. The nanocomposite is currently undergoing both human and animal testing right now, hopefully with an eye toward clarifying and alleviating any health concerns. If the composite can pass muster, dentists everywhere can get down to the business of rolling back the clock on cavities.
Five amazing, clean technologies that will set us free, in this month's energy-focused issue. Also: how to build a better bomb detector, the robotic toys that are raising your children, a human catapult, the world's smallest arcade, and much more.


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I NEED THIS BAD!
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In space, no one can hear a tree fall in the forest.
The current filling tech has one serious result. From the moment it is put in, it is dissimilar from the tooth so over time every filling will soon have a gap between it and the tooth. Anything that can actual form a real bond and regrow structure has a great potential of finally really fixing the tooth instead of just have you come back years later for a bigger filling or a crown or such.
This sounds very promising.
This kind of technology has been a long time coming. Maybe discoveries in dentistry are not reported as much as other medical fields, but it seems like a neglected area. We should be a further along when it comes to regenerative oral care. Much of today's technology stems from halting degeneration while there is little focus on real healing. I hope to see this treatment available soon, just as soon as I can get some dental insurance....
I don't understand how they expect regeneration of the tooth material to occur.How can any regeneration happen with a filling in the way?
I'm 65 years old. Been hearing about something like this ever sense I was a kid. Now its too late for me I just hope it wont be too late for my kids.
nanoparticles from car exhaust could be involved in the big poison
Colloidal silver kills viruses,bacteria, and fungi. I take it daily and give it to my kids when their are cold and flu bugs going around. As long as it is properly made with 99.999% pure silver and distilled water it is very safe. Only when it is made with contaminated materials and in large particle size you will run the risk of developing Argyria (blue skin).
I have successfully treated very quickly pink eye(cleared up in 1.5 days), acne, athletes foot(2 days gone), an bad toothache(pain gone within a day and hasn't been back in months. All my coworkers came down with a terrible flu(about 3-5 day one) I quickly started dosing myself with colloidal silver, my girlfriend was down and out for 5 days, I did get sick, fever and all, but was all better in 6-8 Hours!! It was amazing. It is not what you will hear from the medical community because heck, it's cheap to make yourself if you choose to and it treats A LOT of ailments. Google it...you'll find thousands of testimonials. Silver has been used for medical purposes for thousands of years. I am a Paramedic exposed to some very sickly people and rely on this to help me fend off the bugs. It 100% works and I have taken it on and off for 15 years. Don't believe the naysayers, research it yourself friends.
@GMarsack
You and me both.
is there any way to find out where this is available ?
It will most likely only be for the rich. They will charge you tons because you won't come back any time soon, unless you're horrible at taking care of your mouth and can afford to keep doing it. I think it's too good to be true, but here's hoping right?
Colloidal silver will kill any cell. It enters the cell and is taken into the mitochondria causing the cell to die. That is why it is not good to have in the blood stream.
At the same time I would take this over the current mercury amalgom fillings currently being used. Seems you at least have a better shot with the silver.
Also to answer the bonding question before by Newbeak I believe this will be similar to the hydroxyappetite used in bones fusions (or hip and knee replacements) already. It is a porus structure that has a similar composition to bone. It being porus allows the bone to grow into the structure and bond where the current mercury fillings at smooth and don't allow bone ingrowth causing a gap.
Organic brocolli juice...kills viruses on contact...especially when you are over 60. Here's a real scientific breakthrough. A simple squirty hose or a bidet prevents colon cancer, constipation, itchy butt, and reduces hemorrhoids without surgery. Hey, try washing your hands with toilet paper...let me know how that works.
Dental research is amazing... imagine dentistry in 25 years... I'm sure the drills will be absent from our operatories. www.davidzelbydds.com
Any research which promotes tooth regeneration is paramount to the future as the population continues to age and increasing longevity.