A new fluid based on a peptide known as P 11-4 is painted onto a damaged tooth’s surface to stimulate the tooth to regenerate itself. Once inside the micro-pores the fluid spontaneously forms a gel that provides a “scaffold” that attracts calcium and regenerates the tooth’s mineral from within to provide natural and pain-free repair of the damaged tooth.
The tooth regeneration gel could provide a pain-free way of tackling the first signs of decay. Apparently it has already been successfully tested on a small group of adults. “We are essentially helping acid-damaged teeth to regenerate themselves. It is a totally natural non-surgical repair process and is entirely pain-free too,” said Professor Jennifer Kirkham, from the University of Leeds Dental Institute, who has led development of the new technique.
The researchers expect the technique to be available to dentists in two to three years.