Growing Teeth With Lasers

[Cello]

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Any thoughts on this?

http://www.digitaltrends.com/cool-t...overed-regrow-full-teeth-using-lasers/#!SGXEy

I wonder what effect this will have upon dentistry, and how effective it will really be.

 

[jeffity]

As long as their not brushing and getting regular checkups, we'll be busy.

 

[KermitMorgenstein]

Doubt it will translate into replacing dental medicine anytime soon. Equipment, availability, price and clinical adoption will prevent this from taking over dental practice. I didn't read the actual article they are citing but animal-to-human translation takes a long time.


meow

 

[distressstudent]

Who's going to end up using the lasers though?

Dentists? 😉

 

[jeffity]

Who's going to end up using the lasers though?

Dentists? 😉

Those crummy therapists! "It's just a teeny, tiny flashlight," they'll say. Next thing you know, they're on QVC and on poorly-produced, 30-minute infomercials early Saturday morning with that same fool in the front row who is always agreeing with the host with his aggressive nodding and creepy grin. Who is that guy? Who has time to sit in on every single infomercial? He's probably a therapist! I'm going to be sick.

 

[ChrisM07]

Who's going to end up using the lasers though?

Dentists? 😉

Cats. Laser cats.

 

[distressstudent]

I, for one, welcome our new laser-firing cat overlords

 

[Cello]

I would rather that this technology ends up in the hands of the ThunderCats...

 

[Mediumrare]

Thunder cats.. hoooooooooo!

 

[Papasmurf1234]

Couple things came to mind...maybe someone can enlighten me

1) It said it only grows dentin, not enamel. Isn't dentin far more susceptible to decay than enamel? Not to mention the sensitivity

2) The cost is probably staggering for any middle-class to lower class to afford and insurance companies will probably only cover it under premium insurance (if even at all).

3) They said results were gathered from 'animal models'. Not sure what that means, but if they're using rats and mice (like most lab testings are on), the teeth already grow back on their own and the act of chewing keeps the length of their teeth in check.

Oh and one more thing...since it only stimulates the growth of dentin, that means all of the patients will need crowns....and we all know crowns = $$$

 

[jeffity]

Couple things came to mind...maybe someone can enlighten me

1) It said it only grows dentin, not enamel. Isn't dentin far more susceptible to decay than enamel? Not to mention the sensitivity

2) The cost is probably staggering for any middle-class to lower class to afford and insurance companies will probably only cover it under premium insurance (if even at all).

3) They said results were gathered from 'animal models'. Not sure what that means, but if they're using rats and mice (like most lab testings are on), the teeth already grow back on their own and the act of chewing keeps the length of their teeth in check.

Oh and one more thing...since it only stimulates the growth of dentin, that means all of the patients will need crowns....and we all know crowns = $$$

I don't know. But I'll pretend.

1. Sure. But maybe not so severe that it can't be managed. A full crown of dentin would be, of course, ridiculous. But I'd even accept a restoration over this. If it was dentin plugging the hole. Even a crown over it of it were extensive seems better than some buildup. And perhaps it could avoid you a root canal. I haven't read enough about it it's gotta be quality over our own tertiary dentin that still grows already. Faster? Structure? Direction?

2. At first, probably pricey and not covered. But I remember when composite waist covered either.

3. It's only anteriors that keep growing in rats.