It sterilizes faster than a speeding bullet. It bleaches more powerfully than hydrogen peroxide. It improves composite performance with a chemical bond. It's non-thermal atmospheric plasma! Researchers at the University of Missouri and Nanova Biomaterials have harnessed the power of plasma in the form of a plasma torch toothbrush. The device is not yet on the market, but a study published in the Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research (JCDR) summarizes the benefits and uses of plasma in dentistry. And its potential is super. Non-thermal atmospheric plasmas are bacteria killing machines—the kryptonite of pathogens. On the one hand, low-temperature plasmas are able to sterilize irregular structures and narrow channels. This applies to teeth, tissue and dental tools—plasma doesn't discriminate. "Non-thermal Atmospheric Plasmas are very efficient in the deactivation of bacteria. A relatively new area is the use of these plasmas in dental applications. Plasma treatment is potentially a novel tissue-saving technique, allowing irregular structures and narrow channels within the diseased tooth to be cleaned. Low-temperature plasma is a promising method for destroying microorganisms, an alternative to conventional methods which have numerous drawbacks." On the other hand, low temperature plasma also does not damage healthy tissue, because no heat is produced. This is significant on many levels. It can disinfect areas in and around a tooth—in a root canal, dental cavity, wherever—without pain. It can decontaminate dental cavities without drilling. No drilling, no pain. The plasma torch device limits the discharge current of plasma, which makes it safe and painless when used on human tissue. "It should feel like cold air being blow on you," explains Andrew Ritts, a senior research scientist at Nanova. "Under the proper conditions, you don't feel anything but gas blowing." It gets even better: preliminary data shows that non-thermal atmospheric plasma increases composite bonding strength by approximately 60 percent, which means the composite can last longer. "The promise of plasma as a dental preparation tool is twofold, as it will both reduce tissue damage and better prepare the dental surface for composite adhesion. The promise of painless, fear-free dentistry is one of several factors motivating the plasma brush research," as reported in the JCDR study. Other research has shown that plasma enhances the bleaching effect of hydrogen peroxide. "Combining plasma and H2O2 improved the bleaching efficacy by a factor of 3 compared with using H2O2 alone," the JCDR study recounted. But even superheroes have their limitations, including non-thermal atmospheric plasma. The first and foremost hurdle is getting plasma devices past clinical trials, FDA approval and on the market at a reasonable price. The JCDR study also described plasma techniques as being "highly sensitive"—clinicians can't just pick up a plasma device and have it work its magic without practice and finesse. Plasma is also not very effective in treating oral cavities where amalgam is present. A dental future without drilling and pain and more effective sterilization (not to mention improved composite bonding and better bleaching) is utterly enticing. So much odontophobia spawns from the sounds, smells and discomfort caused by drilling. Replacing the drill with a silent, odorless, painless plasma device could be the superhero clinicians and patients have been longing for.

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The information contained in this, or any case study post in Incisor should never be considered a proper replacement for necessary training and/or education regarding adult oral conscious sedation. Regulations regarding sedation vary by state. This is an educational and informational piece. DOCS Education accepts no liability whatsoever for any damages resulting from any direct or indirect recipient's use of or failure to use any of the information contained herein. DOCS Education would be happy to answer any questions or concerns mailed to us at 106 Lenora Street, Seattle, WA 98121. Please print a copy of this posting and include it with your question or request.

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The information contained in this, or any case study post in Incisor, should never be considered a proper replacement for necessary training and/or education regarding adult oral conscious sedation. Regulations regarding sedation vary by state. This is an educational and informational piece. DOCS Education accepts no liability whatsoever for any damages resulting from any direct or indirect recipient's use of or failure to use any of the information contained herein. DOCS Education would be happy to answer any questions or concerns mailed to us at 3250 Airport Way S, Suite 701 | Seattle, WA 98134. Please print a copy of this posting and include it with your question or request.
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