Remember Me
forgot your password?

Dentists' Drills are Dying – Thank God!

 

A dentist’s drill since its inception has been an object of terror for most. While on the one hand technologists strive to improve drill machines, on the other, researchers seem to be trying to eliminate the medical instrument called “dentist’s drill.”

Researchers conducting experiments at the King's College London have made headway to use Raman spectroscopy in detecting tooth trouble so early, that only simple repair work would be needed, thus eliminating the need for a dentist’s drill to even surface. The study has been published in the Society of Chemical Industry (SCI) magazine “Chemistry & Industry.”

The Tooth Troubleshooting Technology

This technology employs the principles of Raman Spectroscopy. Raman Spectroscopy is a technique that has applications in condensed matter physics and chemistry for studying low-frequency modes within a system (rotational, vibrational, etc.) This means that using this technology, scientists can distinguish between different chemicals by assessing the unique fingerprints of molecules within them.

In its proposed dental application, Raman Spectroscopy can differentiate between healthy and decaying teeth, here’s how?

Light rays are shone at a tooth by means of a mini optical fiber. The light then scatters around the tooth based on the tooth’s chemistry. Since different chemicals scatter light differently, by analyzing the patterns produced and comparing them to those found in healthy teeth, dentists can find out the actual health of the teeth. For instance, if the light fired at a tooth encounters bacteria, it would disperse differently than if it doesn’t. Once discovered at an early stage the bad tooth could just need to be treated with special mouthwashes and varnishes to achieve remineralization.

This is a paradigm shift from the current procedures, which rely on either X-rays or visual examination to make the assessment. However, by the time a cavity is diagnosed it’s often too late to avoid the drilling & filling treatment, ugh!

How About The Coziness?

To me everything about a dentist’s drill is scary, just the drill’s sound is enough to make me queasy. And I believe that many others share the sentiment. And when it actually drills through, the sensation is quite memorable. Ouch!

If the newly proposed technology takes over within the next five years, as that’s the time it’s expected to take, then this procedure claimed to be painless shall prevail.

One thing however, which is of concern is that the patient would need to stay stationary till the process lasts for about 30 seconds. Which might need a bit of a practice, but it’s surely better than a painful drilling experience.

The promise of the technology is surely quite encouraging. Till the time it comes to the rescue, I plan to maintain a good dental hygiene, and if need be, not be intimidated by the abominable dental instrument, “the drill.” After all, it does save teeth!

Freddic

I am a journalist with 7 years of experience. Though, as a professional I've reported on myriad topics, my favorites are the auto and the healthcare industry. Two of the platforms I've previously worked on are Themedica and Automotive-Online. I now blog at:Smiling Health and Automobile Hotspot as it offers me a platform to write about my interests.

Rate this Article: 4 / 5 stars - 1 vote(s)
Print Email Re-Publish

Add new Comment



Captcha

  • Latest Dental Care Articles
  • More from Freddic

Dentists Hendersonville Tn

By: arslan | 12/11/2009
They say that good health begets wealth, and evidently safeguarding it is vital. And dental health is undoubtedly a significant contributor to the overall wellness. This is where choosing the right dentist becomes important, and one must ensure that he or she is able to provide optimal dental care for the entire family.

Overcoming the Burden of Missing Teeth

By: Doug Velasquez | 12/11/2009
Surf Pacific is a web selling and branding company located in Australia. SurfPacific.net.au is an Australian search site and business list - promoting clients in all regions of Australia. For more info visit their website at http://www.surfpacific.net.au

Overcoming the Burden of Missing Teeth

By: Cliff Valdez | 12/11/2009
Surf Pacific is an internet marketing and branding company found in Australia. SurfPacific.net.au is an Australian search engine and business index - promoting clients in all regions of Australia. For more information visit their internet site at http://www.surfpacific.net

Dealing With a Cracked Tooth

By: Steve Thompson DDS | 11/11/2009
Are your teeth sensitive to cold? Learn more about how different types of cracks in your teeth and cracked tooth syndrome can affect you, the symptoms and prevention. Dr. Steve Thompson of Imagecare Dental in Plano TX explains.

Dental Implants in Virginia

By: Lynn Fugaro | 11/11/2009
Having a gap in one’s smile not only makes it difficult to chew and speak, it can also cause the neighboring teeth to shift which can alter the bite and even lead to deterioration of the jawbone. In the past, dentures and dental bridges were the only ways to correct a missing tooth

Tension Headache Cure

By: Hans Schleicher D.D.S. | 11/11/2009
Tension headache is the the most common headache and can often be treated with a non invasive drug free treatment. Jaw position as related to headache pain

Cosmetic Dentistry vs. General Dentistry

By: Erich Shrefler | 11/11/2009
Most people realize that it is important to visit a dentist regularly for professional dental cleanings, and the dentist is generally the first person that comes to mind when a tooth becomes damaged or painful. General dentists have long been the perfect choice for these types of dental situations, and they will continue to be vitally important for overall dental health. General dentistry concentrates on preserving the teeth and gums through preventative measures and treatments to correct proble

Cosmetic Dentistry

By: Erich Shrefler | 11/11/2009
A recent study performed by Beall Research & Training of Chicago on behalf of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD), revealed that individuals who have a beautiful smile not only appear more attractive to other people but also successful, intelligent, interesting and wealthy. Whether or not you agree with the findings of the study, one fact remains true: the popularity of cosmetic dentistry

Is Robot Assisted Surgery Better?

By: Freddic | 29/04/2009 | Health
Slowly and gradually robots seem to be taking over many of the functions that humans perform. However, in most such cases it seems to be for our own good.

5 Ways by which Alcohol can Abuse You

By: Freddic | 15/04/2009 | Health
According to 2006 data, sixty one percent of American adults reported drinking alcohol during the past year. While moderate drinking is considered safe for many people, heavy drinking may be harmful to almost anyone.

5 Cases Where Diet Supplements May Harm

By: Freddic | 14/04/2009 | Supplements & Vitamins
Though scientists have found many benefits of dietary supplements e.g. calcium and vitamin D can prevent and treat bone loss, they have also found some harmful effects of different dietary and herbal supplements.

Urinary Tract Infection – 4 Alternative Treatments

By: Freddic | 02/04/2009 | Health
With the urinary tract infections burdening the healthcare system with over $2 billion in treatment costs (annual), can some alternative medications complement conventional treatments in fighting it?

Does Bad Economy Equal Low Fertility Rate?

By: Freddic | 01/04/2009 | Health
The National Survey of Family Growth (NSFG), 1995, revealed that the number of women using infertility services in the U.S. was 9.3 million. Aside from the usual infertility problems treated with fertility drugs, the strained economy has its own way of affecting fertility.

6 Alternative Medicines for Type 2 Diabetes

By: Freddic | 01/04/2009 | Alternative Medicine
With over 200 million people suffering from diabetes worldwide, and counting, it's fast becoming the #1 epidemic of modern times. As a result, the efficacy of many alternative medicine treatments in managing diabetes is being explored.

The Links Between Vegetables, Fruits and Cancer

By: Freddic | 31/03/2009 | Cancer
With over a 100 types of cancers able to affect any part of the body, about 13% of all deaths worldwide were caused by the disease in 2004. And with about a one-third of all cancer cases being preventable, there's a realization to stress more on this cost-effective way of tackling cancer.

5 Quick Tips To Buying Cleanroom Wipes

By: Freddic | 17/03/2009 | Business
Use of Wipes in Cleanrooms is so Common and Natural That Often the Need to Carefully Select Cleanroom Supplies May be Overlooked. the Following Tips Will Help You Make the Right Choice.

Submit Your Articles Free: Signup
Article Categories




Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the Terms Of Use and Privacy Policy | User published content is licensed under a Creative Commons License.
Copyright © 2005-2008 Free Articles by ArticlesBase.com, All rights reserved. (0.26, 1, w1)