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NUS
researchers explore a new approach for treating tooth decay,
with lasers. |
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Fighting Tooth Decay with Laser
A low-energy laser offers better protection
against decay
(Image courtesy of National University
Hospital) |
The fight against tooth decay may soon be won
with a new treatment method devised by Associate Professor Stephen
Hsu from the NUS Faculty of Dentistry. Harnessing laser power, this
treatment promises 98 per cent protection against tooth decay -
the world's best record to date. This treatment method forms a patina
of protection against decay-causing acids, which are produced by
micro-organisms on the tooth.
Tooth enamel is made up of about 97 per cent crystal
and only one per cent organic matrix. The organic matrix functions
as the basic scaffold for the crystals to build on. Tiny gaps existing
between the crystals and the matrix provide a diffusion pathway
vulnerable to the attack of bacteria and acids. Decay results.
In the past three decades, research on preventive
laser treatment has developed along the lines of melting the crystals
at 1000 degrees Celsius or higher to form a shield over the gaps.
With the collaborative help of a multidisciplinary team, Dr. Hsu
inverted the paradigm and used a low-energy laser to melt the organic
matrix instead.
The resulting melted organic matrix provides a
stronger armour of defense, preventing decay by an additional 25
per cent. Furthermore, by using a low-energy laser, the nerve of
the tooth is likely to be protected from harm. In addition, the
purifying effect of the laser energy on the crystals at this temperature
range provides optimal lattice strength for the tooth. The original
method of laser treatment, on the other hand, runs the risk of inflicting
damage on teeth nerves and crystals when the heat is too high. If
clinical trials for this new treatment method prove successful,
dental practitioners will have another weapon in their battle for
healthy teeth. Dr. Hsu has called the method "organic blocking"
and his research has been published in a leading international dental
journal and won him a "Research in Prevention Award" conferred
by the prestigious International Association for Dental Research
in 1998, and a "Foundation Research Award" by the American
Academy of Pediatric Dentistry in 2001.
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