Study: Plasma jets may replace dentist's drill

you are here: DentalPlans.com > Dental Health Articles > Study Plasma jets may replace dentist's drill

Dental Care & Health Care Articles

Updated: 1/21/2010 7:00:42 PM

Study: Plasma jets may replace dentist's drill

In an effort to make a trip to the dentist's office more comfortable, German researchers have been investigating the use of plasma jets, which could provide a painless alternative to the traditional drill.

According to a study that will be published in the February issue of the Journal of Medical Microbiology, firing low temperature plasma beams at teeth can reduce the amount of dental bacteria in a patient's mouth by up to 10,000 times, HealthDay News reports.

The scientists believe that the new technology could be used to excise infected tissue in cavities, in lieu of the dentist's drill.

"Drilling is a very uncomfortable and sometimes painful experience," said the study's lead author, Dr Stefan Rupf of Saarland University.
He added that "cold plasma, in contrast, is a completely contact-free method that is highly effective."

Specifically, the plasma jets target the fibrous tooth structure found beneath the enamel coating, called dentin. The researchers exposed infected tissues to plasma jets for between six and 18 seconds.

The longer the tooth was exposed to the treatment, the greater the number of bacteria that were eliminated, according to the study.

Patients who regularly visit their family dentist can expect the plasma technology to be used in clinical practice within three to five years, Rumpf told BBC News.

For more information on discount dental plans call 1-888-632-5353
ADNFCR-1507-ID-19571861-ADNFCR

Additional Articles

Researchers find new target for gum ...
Toothpaste ingredients to avoid
Colorado gears up to fight tooth decay
Nebraska moves toward better dental ...
Signs that it's time to call the oral ...
Don't ignore oral health during ...
Smokers are less likely to visit the ...
Keep these dental health basics in mind...
Dentists work to teach kids about care ...
Orthodontist recommends braces sooner ...
Signs your child is in need of better ...
Parents struggle to provide oral care ...
Mistakes parents make when it comes to ...
Dentists strive to make childhood oral ...
People should seek treatment for common...
Make dental screenings a priority in ...
Dentist tests parents on dental health ...
Dentists are using technology to help ...
Care for children's teeth to improve ...
Going without dental care can damage ...
A visit to the dentist saved a man's ...
Report calls for changes in oral ...
Don't let these common dental problems ...
Dental health professional creates new...
Some of the many ways to save on oral ...
Dental health: A window to overall ...
Ignoring oral health could lead to a ...
Orthodontist teaches kids about dental ...
Ignoring dental health could lead to...
Sugar-free sweeteners - a good to ...
Dentist offers tips for combating dry ...
Root canal basics for celebrities - and...
How healthy are your child's teeth?
Dentist discusses sedation for dental ...
UK dentists to question patients' ...
Maine gives out awards to dental health...
Monitor a child's teeth-brushing to ...
Nevada urges residents to improve oral ...
Brushing and flossing are not enough ...
Eco-friendly dentists are growing in ...

The materials and articles published on DentalPlans.com are for informational purposes only. Although DentalPlans.com strives to be accurate and complete, the information is provided without liability for errors. DentalPlans.com does not warrant the accuracy or completeness of the information, text graphics, links, or other items contained on DentalPlans.com.

DentalPlans.com expressly disclaims liability for errors or omissions in these materials and DentalPlans.com makes no commitment to update the information on DentalPlans.com.

DentalPlans.com expressly disclaims all liability for the use or interpretation by others of information on DentalPlans.com. Decisions based on information contained on DentalPlans.com are the sole responsibility of the visitors, and visitors agree to hold DentalPlans.com and its Affiliates harmless against any claims for damages arising from decisions visitors make on such information.

Nothing on DentalPlans.com constitutes medical advice or other forms of advice. DentalPlans.com assumes no responsibility for material created or published by third parties linked to DentalPlans.com with or without DentalPlans.coms knowledge.