Pain free dentistry

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Pain-free dental tool step nearer to market
A pain-free alternative to dental fillings is being tested on human patients – and its creators reckon it could be sold on the dental market soon.
University of Missouri engineers and their research collaborators at Nanova, Inc. are one step closer to a painless way to replace fillings.
After favourable results in the lab, human clinical trials are underway on the 'plasma brush'.
Chief scientist Meng Chen says he expects human clinical trials to begin in early 2012 at the University of Tennessee's Memphis campus.
He is chief scientist for Nanova Inc., a company formed by several professors that shares a patent on the new technology with the university.
The plasma brush use chemical reactions to disinfect and clean out cavities for fillings within 30 seconds.
The research team hopes the technology will allow dentists and patients to reduce the number and costs of replacement fillings as well as decrease the need for patients to have teeth pulled after repeated fillings.
The team believes the 'plasma brush' could take some of the pain, noise and expense out of getting a filling.
Its developers say the plasma brush painlessly disinfects and cleans a cavity before filling a tooth in less than 30 seconds,
It uses a 'cool flame' that strengthens the bond for a longer-lasting filling, which reduces the chance of losing a tooth as the result of a filling being repeatedly replaced.
The research team hopes the plasma brush will make getting a filling a more comfortable experience.
Although the procedure is painless and relatively quiet, dentists may still need to use a drill to assist in the filling process, said Meng Chen.
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Hao Li, associate professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering in the MU College of Engineering, said that 200 million fillings cost Americans an estimated $50 billion a year, and he estimates that replacement fillings make up 75% of a dentist's work.
The plasma brush developers hope their invention will reduce those costs. A tooth can only support two or three fillings before it must be pulled, Li said.
Human clinical trials are expected to begin in early 2012 at the University of Tennessee-Memphis.
The researchers believe the human clinical trials will provide the data that allow Nanova to find investors and take the next steps in placing the product on the market.
If the studies go well and the FDA approves, the researchers' timeline indicates the plasma brush could be available to dentists as early as the end of 2013.

SUNNYSMILES DENTAL AND COSMETIC INNOVATIONS

SUNNYSMILES DENTAL AND COSMETIC INNOVATIONS: "We have CDT ( dental technician training to make his own dentures for patients directly) working with us. He has offered to 30% off any private dentures that are made. So if you know anyone, a friend, a parent or grand parent who need a new set let them know and they can take on this fantastic offer!"

SUNNYSMILES DENTAL AND COSMETIC INNOVATIONS

SUNNYSMILES DENTAL AND COSMETIC INNOVATIONS: "Oral B toothbrush trial. Patients needed for trial they will get a 100 pound toothbrush for 30 ... and must have a checkup to see the effects of the brush on their gums."

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Health warning signs from your teeth
Illnesses that manifest themselves in your mouth
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Mon 29 Nov, 2010 02:00 pm GMT

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It is well known that what goes on in your mouth can influence your health.
For instance, poor oral hygiene is known to contribute to cardiovascular disease.
But problems in your mouth can also indicate wider health issues, including some serious conditions.
We've complied a list of conditions and the associated signs you should watch out for.
Stress
Do you wake up with a sore jaw? This may be the case if grind your teeth during sleep. You can tell for sure if the surface of your teeth has been ground flat.
If this is the case, the teeth grinding may suggest you are stressed, which calls for you to address the underlying causes of your stress.
To help with teeth grinding, you can get a mouth-guard, which you wear overnight and which keeps your teeth apart.
Acid reflux
Are your teeth brittle and discoloured? If so, this may be caused by acid reflux reaching your mouth, where it damages teeth enamel.
Acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease, is caused by the malfunctioning of the barrier between your oesophagus and your stomach, which allows acid from your stomach to reach all the way up to your mouth.
If you have symptoms of acid reflux, or heartburn, consult your doctor. There are lifestyle changes, as well as prescription and over the counter medications, that will help you manage the condition.
Diabetes
Is your mouth always dry, despite the fact you're drinking plenty of water? Are you thirsty all the time, and have to use the loo often?
If this is the case, and you are not a smoker, or are taking medication where mouth dryness is a side effect, you should see a doctor, who will examine you for diabetes.
A constantly dry mouth could also suggest you have a condition called Sjogren's syndrome, which is an autoimmune disorder that undermines the working of moisture producing glands and affects the entire body.
Oral cancer
Do you have any open mouth sores that linger for weeks? If so, they may be related to something far more malicious than an infection: oral cancer.
If the sore has white or red borders you should get your doctor to make a visual inspection. You may not have any other symptoms or pain, except a sore that does not go away.
Do not underestimate the danger posed by a sore - the sooner oral cancer is detected, the greater the chances of being cured.

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