In the last blog post, we discussed the causes and prevalence of secondary tooth decay. This blog focuses on preventing secondary tooth decay and the budding technologies seeking to combat this persistent dental issue.
The number one, and perhaps the most obvious, prevention for secondary tooth decay is no past tooth decay, aka no cavities at all. This is achieved through good dental hygiene (consistent brushing, flossing, etc.) and also by a decent amount of luck. Even for those with treated cavities, well-maintained dental care does go a long way in protecting against cavities re-rooting. But it can only do so much, as the holes present in cracked, filled cavities are too small to be conventionally cleaned and will, almost inevitably begin to decay.
A new mode of applying these fillings is being developed by Queen Mary University of London and Aberystwyth University in order to increase durability and prevent or delay such cracks from occurring. Researchers have turned to cement, noticing the “sweet spot” moment prior to permanent hardening where it regains its elasticity. Researchers are seeking the “sweet spot” in the dental filling cure time, in the hope it too will expand the substances life.
There are also burgeoning solutions focusing on new substances, rather than new techniques. One such solution is a filling which combats decay on the molecular level. New nanotechnology is being developed by the American Dental Association’s Paffenbarger Research Center in a joint research program at the National Institute of Standards and Technology, to combat secondary tooth decay. Usual resin fillings have calcium and phosphate ions added in, in the form of a powder, to buffer against the acidity of decay-causing bacteria and maintain the crystalline structure of the tooth. However, this addition limits the longevity of the filling due to the ions’ own structural weakness. Researchers have discovered a spray drying method that creates smaller particles of these ions, alongside providing them with a greater surface area and volume. These increases make the ions occupy less structural space in a filling and more efficient at releasing ions. Tests indicate this early filling is two times more durable than the conventional.
Similarly, the researchers at Tel Aviv University discovered a resin-compatible antibacterial molecule in the form of the building block Fmoc-pentafluoro-L-phenylalanine. This compound is self-assembling, serving both a structural and antimicrobial purpose. This new compound could be used to solve both issues of conventional resin!
Another such antibacterial filling is being developed by The University of Maryland, that contains calcium phosphate nanoparticles to remineralize the tooth while also containing quaternary ammonium and silver nanoparticles. The alkaline pH of these particles inhibits acidic bacterial development. In this, they draw from the innate antibacterial nature of the historic filling of amalgam. There, the metal serves as a natural antibacterial. Here, elements of amalgam have been added back into resin, ironic considering resin was pushed as a way to annex amalgam in dentistry practices.
In the vein of using silver, there is also research from New York University suggesting a sealant over filled cavities could aid in preventing secondary decay. Silver diamine fluoride has been newly tested as a means of delaying and preventing cavities. Researchers discovered it to be successful when testing it in schools. Hypothetically, if silver diamine fluoride was applied to a recently filled cavity, its benefits would aid in preventing decay, much like how they do with first-time cavities or the unblemished tooth.
While the average resin still has its durability issues, new advancements are on the horizon. In time, hopefully, this common and expensive practice of refilling cavities will be a distant and “tooth-achey” memory.
Our Westtown Dental Care team in West Chester, Pennsylvania, is here to help you with your smile. Please give us a call at 484-887-0777 to learn more or schedule a visit with our dedicated dentist, Dr. Sara Bekyan. Your smile will thank you!