There was an opportunity of artificial cultivation of enamel of a tooth
Last reviewed: 17.10.2021
All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
Specialists who are representatives of the British University of Queen Mary (London), demonstrated their latest development. This is a technique for growing a special mineralized material that can restore a hard tissue - for example, tooth enamel or bone.
Studies and further work on the creation of the material was conducted led by Professor Sherif Elsharkavi.
Enamel coating, present on the outer surface of the teeth, is a particularly strong tissue in the entire human body. Due to the enamel's resistance to damage, the teeth are able to function normally for a longer life span - and this, despite the fact that the teeth have to constantly experience various loads in the form of mechanical damage and sudden temperature changes. But such a strong fabric is not without flaws: so, the obvious "minus" is the inability of the enamel coating to restore. Because of this shortcoming, a person periodically experiences pain, and even can lose an affected tooth.
The problem of enamel damage affects every second inhabitant of our planet. The scale of this problem is really great, and scientists have long been trying to find a way to restore the protective coating.
The newly created restorative mechanism is based on a material such as a protein substance capable of activating and targeting the buildup of apatite nanocrystals, coordinating and correcting their dimensions. In the same way, the crystals develop inside the body during the formation of the tooth enamel layer.
Nanocrystals have an elongated configuration: their structural organization is microscopic prismatic forms that can grow and transform into an enamel layer. Such material can be grown on almost any uneven surface, as well as on living dental tissues.
The method is surprisingly simple and universal, therefore, the mechanism of growth created by scientists opens up prospects in dental treatment and restoration of dental tissues. Unique technology can be used in a wide range of dental procedures, including those related to the prevention and treatment of destroyed or hypersensitive teeth. As an example, researchers soon planned the development of acid-fast materials that can be put into problem areas. Such materials can undergo mineralization and create protection for the open dentinal canaliculus, which will allow to treat the increased sensitivity of dentin.
The full version of the results of the study can be found on the website of the British University - Queen Mary University of London (https://www.qmul.ac.uk/media/news/2018/se/scientists-develop-material-that-could-regenerate- dental-enamel-.html).