DT News - UK - New dental procedure could replace root canal treatment

Dental Tribune International

Fri. 17 January 2014

save

LIVERPOOL – Researchers at the University of Liverpool are currently testing a new procedure to treat infected pulp. Revascularisation can be performed in just two visits and could spare patients from undergoing the long and much disliked root canal treatment.

As reported by MailOnline, the first step of the new procedure entails drilling into the tooth and applying an antibiotic paste to disinfect the root canal. A second visit to the dentist follows approximately two weeks later. Using a tool, the dentist makes tiny cuts into the root canal system until the tissue starts to bleed, which triggers a blood clot.

The clot encourages the growth of new blood vessels. This boosts oxygen and nutrient supply and helps the pulp repair itself. The mechanism is not clearly understood, reported the website; however, one suggestion is that a blood clot contains a high concentration of growth factors, compounds that help repair damaged tissue.

Studies have already found the technique to be successful. The scientists at the University of Liverpool are testing revascularisation on 15 patients. The outcomes will be compared with a control group of 15 patients undergoing conventional root canal treatment.

Commenting on the new treatment in MailOnline, Dr Hugh Devlin, Professor of Restorative Dentistry at the University of Manchester, said: “It’s an excellent technique and is getting a lot of interest in the academic journals. Traditional treatment eliminates bacteria, but prevents growth of a new blood supply to the root.”

To post a reply please login or register

New device detects bacteria during root canal treatment

LONDON, UK: A new method of detecting bacteria during root canal therapy could eradicate the need for follow-up appointments and prevent treatment failure, ...

A simple sequence for successful root canal treatment outcomes

The patient was referred for root canal treatment (RCT) of tooth #36, the referring dentist having had difficulty in locating the root canal orifices. The ...

Man loses memory after root canal treatment

LEICESTER, UK: In March 2005, a 38-year-old British soldier stationed in Germany lost his ability to form new memories after undergoing a regular root canal...

EssenSeal: A new-generation root canal sealer

VEVEY, Switzerland: Introduced by Swiss endodontic company Produits Dentaires (PD) at the 2019 International Dental Show, EssenSeal is an innovative sealer ...

King’s launches new dental procedures guidebook

LONDON, UK: Representatives of King’s College London Dental Institute have introduced a new dental guidebook aimed at students and primary care providers....

Irrigating the root canal: A case report

The patient reported on in this article is a student in dentistry and his parents are both dentists. They referred their son to a good endodontist, who then...

PD presents IrriFlex, its innovative needle design for advanced root canal irrigation

A new generation of irrigation needle designed and manufactured by Swiss endodontic company PD (Produits Dentaires) enables more effective cleaning and ...

New face shield could reduce dental clinical waste, provide better protection

BRISTOL, UK: As Dental Tribune International has previously reported, thoughtful waste management is an increasingly important issue in dentistry in view of...

New degradable particles could repair decayed teeth

LONDON – Researchers from the UK have received the materials science Venture Prize for developing a new degradable particle that could bring toothache...

Dental teams could help detect undiagnosed diabetes in patients

BIRMINGHAM, England: Diabetes is one of the most common chronic conditions in Europe and is strongly associated with periodontitis. An estimated one in ...

Education

On-demand
webinar