If you’ve ever had a cavity filled, you are probably familiar with the traditional amalgam (“silver”) filling and/or the tooth-colored composite filling. Dental fillings of the future, however, may be composed of something else entirely, as researchers are currently developing “bioactive” glass. This material, a type of crushed glass that is able to interact with the body, has been used for years to help bones heal. The chief benefit of this material is that the bacteria associated with tooth decay do not like it and are less likely to colonize near it. In addition to preventing future tooth decay, bio-active glass may react with the body to produce some of the minerals needed to replace those lost to tooth decay.
This column has been brought to you in the interest of better dental health. At West Brookfield Dental, we know that you wish to receive your general dental care from a highly trained, caring staff; therefore, professionalism is very important to you. Our promise to you is that our office will provide you with dental care of the highest quality available, from an extremely qualified staff utilizing the most modern procedures. Please call 508.867.2777 to schedule an appointment. We’re located at 9 West Main St., West Brookfield.
P.S. Because bio-active glass is very hard, it is expected to last longer than current dental filling materials.
