Plasma technology could replace the dentist's drill
Last updated 22/01/2010 13:07:11
Plasma technology could replace the dentist drill
Here's something to make you 'open your mouth wide' and smile about. New plasma technology could replace the uncomfortable and - for some – terrifying dentist's drill.
Researchers from Saarland University in Germany. say ‘plasma jets' can be used to clean out bacteria from infected teeth.
Investigations are encouraging and this advance in dentistry may be available within three to five years.
You may be unaware of the prevalence of plasma in our everyday lives - for example in fluorescent lighting. Many natural forms of plasma exist, but artificial plasmas can be created when energy is added to a gas.
Though artificial plasmas are often very hot, cooler plasmas have been created in recent years, leading to their possible use in the human body, to precisely target tiny areas. The plasma can destroy bacteria, without affecting the surrounding tissue.
Dr Stefan Rupf, who led the study, explained: "Drilling is a very uncomfortable and sometimes painful experience. Cold plasma, in contrast, is a completely contact-free method that is highly effective."
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