Diamonds may shine bright and sparkle, but have you considered putting that bling in your mouth?
UCLA scientists have — and they’ve come up with something truly fascinating.
Safer and Stronger
A report from the American Chemistry Social journal Nano shows that nanodiamonds — which are literally microscopic diamond chips — have the potential to improve root canals, making them stronger and protecting them against infection.
Normally during root canals, a dentist will clear out damaged or infected pulp from deep inside a tooth and then fill that space with a rubber compound called gutta-percha. If the patient’s tooth gets infected, or the root canal fails, another procedure is required. In order to avoid this, scientists have been experimenting with other types of filler material.
A New Type of Compound
Enter nanodiamonds.
At UCLA, a team of researchers combined nanodiamonds — so tiny that millions could fit on the head of the pin — with gutta-percha and the amoxicillin antibiotic to form a new kind of filler compound.
The diamonds, the researchers said, were useful because of their “versatile faceted surface chemistry, bio-compatibility and their role in improving mechanical properties.”
What did they discover? The nanodiamond compound is stronger than plain gutta-percha, and it has the added advantage of being able to kill bacteria.
The nanodiamond root canal filler has not been tested on humans yet — so the jury’s still out on whether the term “diamonds are forever” can be applied to teeth.
Stay tuned.
About THE SCIENCE OF SMILES®
THE SCIENCE OF SMILES® offers affordable cosmetic and laser dentistry and gentle, compassionate general dental care in Pasadena, CA. Our office is conveniently located with extended hours to meet your needs. At THE SCIENCE OF SMILES®, we provide most dental services, from basic preventative care and general dentistry to specialized procedures and complete dental reconstruction. Patient satisfaction is our top priority and we strive to provide the exceptional, affordable dental care and personal touch that lead to lasting relationships. A smiling patient is our greatest reward and we look forward to keeping those smiles healthy, beautiful, and bright. Discover affordable up-to-date dentistry and a team who truly cares at THE SCIENCE OF SMILES®.
