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11/05/2004

Having a cavity filled these is no big deal. But returning to the dentist after losing a filling can be a pain. A researcher at the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology is trying to create a new, longer lasting cavity filling.

And if he's successful, it could mean fewer trips to the dentist. Look into most adult mouths and you'll probably see amalgams or silver fillings. But these fillings are rarely used these days.

Dr. Hao Fong, creates new dental fillings, "Many people worry about the safety of amalgams."

That's because they contain mercury, which can be toxic in high amounts.

Fong said, "It's not very good looking."

So more than twenty years ago, dentists began using another material for fillings.

Fong said, "Today, more and more people prefer to use the polymeric restorative composite."

It blends in with the color of your teeth and doesn't contain any metal. Problem is, they don't last as long as the shiny silver ones.

Fong said, "In a few years, the composite will break and the patient will need to do it again."

That's where researchers at South Dakota School of Mines and Technology come in. They're working to create a new kind of filling that's stronger and can hold up to the test of time.

Fong said, "The novelty of my research is to introduce the very good mechanical property electro spun nanofibers in the dental restorative components."

That means they're spinning a mixture of materials that are finer than a strand of hair very fast to create a paste. The idea is to pack those fibers tightly to create a stronger bond.

Fong said, "It's better, has better quality and can last longer."

Dr. Fong says when his research is complete, the new filling could last up to ten years. But it will be some time before this new filling is available at a dentists office. So far, the research is at the beginning stages and Dr. Fong says it won't be ready until another four years.

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Mouth Cancer Awareness week
Dental specialists are encouraging people to visit their dentists regularly as part of Mouth Cancer Awareness week.

Mouth cancer can affect anyone young or old, male or female but people who both drink and smoke are 30 times more likely to develop the condition.

Many of the symptoms of mouth cancer are difficult to detect so visiting your doctor or dentist regularly could be the key to surviving the disease.

A spokesman for Ealing Primary Care Trust said: "Regular dental check-ups are very important.

"If you haven't been for a check-up in the last year, you should arrange one now."

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