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Dentists have developed an "eternal" dental filling
Last reviewed: 02.07.2025
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Scientists representing NUST MISIS and several other experimental centers have developed an unusual material using nanotechnology that can prevent further development of caries and permanently protect teeth from damaging microorganisms.
"This discovery, without exaggeration, is recognized as revolutionary in the field of practical dentistry. The antimicrobial component can be used by introducing it into the composition of the filling material, as well as during other dental procedures - for example, when installing dental implants. This can significantly extend their service life. We have already begun to apply this discovery in practice, namely, since the fall of last year," said Yakov Karasenkov, head and direct participant in the study, chief physician of the clinical institution "RosDent".
A group of specialists, along with Georgy Frolov, a practicing associate professor at the NUST MISIS department, conducted research into the properties of various nanoparticles, which included titanium, iron, zinc and other metal oxides. As a result of the experiments, the scientists concluded that even minimal concentrations of nanoparticles are capable of inhibiting the growth and development of bacterial cells. Their action is similar to the properties of antibiotics or enzymes that are produced in the body in response to infection.
According to Frolov, the introduction of nanoparticles into filling and other dental mixtures will help solve the main issues that worry all patients of dental clinics - periodic loss of fillings, as well as the development of caries in previously filled areas. According to dentists, over time, a microcrack forms at the point of contact between the filling and the dental tissue, in which bacteria successfully accumulate and multiply. In addition, dental tissue and filling material have different water-repellent properties, which also affects the life of the filled area.
If you add a certain amount of nanoparticles to the filling material, this will create permanent protection of the treated tooth cavity from bacteria, which will solve the above problems almost forever. Nanoparticles do not tend to deteriorate, even in the presence of unfavorable external factors.
Caries is, on the one hand, a common widespread disease. But, on the other hand, it is the biggest problem that dentistry deals with. According to statistics, almost all people on earth - more than 95% - suffer from caries to one degree or another. Therefore, any scientific advances in this direction are welcomed by scientists around the world.
According to Frolov, protective antimicrobial nanoparticles have already found application in the Russian clinical institution RosDent, as well as in the Kirov State Medical Academy. The updated filling material has already been approved by Roszdravnadzor, so it will soon be actively used by most commercial dental companies.