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Research in dentistry is yielding exciting findings, some of which may find their way into clinical practice in the next 7 to 10 years.
Take, for instance, the humble filling. It was originally designed to replace tooth structure damaged by decay. Research is under way to develop "smart" fillings packed with fluoride, calcium and phosphate, which react to destructive conditions in the mouth and prevent additional damage. Smart fillings will check the corrosive combination of bacteria and inadequate cleaning that cause decay in the first place.
They are among a wave of advances in dentistry that focus on protecting or repairing teeth and gums from the inside. Other examples include:
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Vaccines - to stimulate immunity against the microorganisms that cause cavities.
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Bone regrowth - to replace rotted teeth and jawbones. German scientists made international news in 2004 when they incubated a replacement jawbone in a muscle of a patient who had lost his jaw to cancer. It was a spectacular example of what is possible, though there are many investigative hurdles to cross before the approach is generally accepted.
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Decay blockers - natural compounds that block the bone-destroying effects of gum disease. One research institute recently reported that a compound found in scorpion venom significantly reduced gum disease-related bone loss in rats.
"Some of the most promising lines of investigation involve biological approaches to oral health," said Diane Monti-Markowski, DDS, a national oral health advisor for Delta Dental Plans Association. "Smart fillings and vaccines could bring the preventive component of dentistry to the next level, while bone and tissue regrowth techniques could advance our treatment capabilities," she said.
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