Nanotechnology helps create new cavity-filling composite

Using nanotechnology, scientists at the University of Maryland School of Dentistry have created the first cavity-filling composite that kills harmful bacteria and regenerates tooth structure lost to bacterial decay. According to Professor Huakun Xu, PhD, MS, the new composite is a revolutionary dental weapon to control harmful bacteria, which co-exist in the natural colony of microorganisms in the mouth. With antibacterial primer and antibacterial adhesive incorporated, the new nanocomposite should last longer than the typical five to ten years, though longevity has not been thoroughly tested. Calcium phosphate nanoparticles that regenerate tooth minerals are the key component in this nanostructured adhesive. Moreover, the antibacterial component has a base of quaternary ammonium and silver nanoparticles and a high pH, which limits acid production by tooth bacteria. With human testing in the near future, this new nanotechnology may grow to become an option for cavity-filling.