Two US chemists are currently developing a material that can stimulate teeth to repair small cavities, thus possibly removing the need for fillings. In vitro tests have shown that the material, which contains amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP), acts as a remineralizing sealant for cavities artificially produced in bovine enamel. Dental caries occur when teeth become demineralised, therefore by remineralizing the teeth it should be possible to repair small cavities and prevent the formation of secondary cavities. The researchers believe their ACP-based material will be useful in a wide variety of dental applications. The material may also be useful in the field of delicate bone repair, such as facial reconstruction, where doctors need an injectable, biodegradable polymer capable of stimulating bone demineralisation.
SOURCE/REFERENCE: Reported by www.bio.com on the 26th August 2001
