At Stephen Ratcliff Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, we use the latest validated dental technology to provide our patients with quality general, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry. In addition, we keep tabs on the latest dental research that is moving the industry forward.
Here are some of the intriguing dental technologies currently being evaluated and tested:
Fill and Heal: Bioactive Glass
A new type of filling created from “bioactive glass” has been shown to increase the life of fillings by restricting secondary decay and replacing lost minerals.
“Bioactive glass, which is a type of crushed glass that is able to interact with the body, has been used in some types of bone healing for decades. This type of glass is only beginning to see use in dentistry, and our research shows it may be very promising for tooth fillings.”1 Jamie Kruzic, professor of advanced structural and biomaterials at the Oregon State University College of Engineering
Stem Cells
Stem cell regenerative medicine is poised to provide a myriad of exciting discoveries in dentistry.
A research team from the University of Nottingham and Harvard University is applying stem cell technology to dentistry with the development of stem-cell based biomaterials that regenerate tooth dentin.2 The objective is to use them in fillings and root canals to save and regenerate tooth structure. The research is in its early stages, but this technology could one day help preserve millions of smiles for men and women worldwide.
3D Printing
3D printing is already being used in some dental offices to create aligners, retainers, drilling guides for implant placement, and extremely accurate models for restorations. As the printers become faster and less costly, you will be seeing them in more Texas dental offices.
Technology has its place, but experience, expertise, and a warm and attentive chairside manner are just as crucial. The warm and friendly team at Stephen Ratcliff Family & Cosmetic Dentistry invites you to welcome the difference at our comfortable dental office. Call today to make an appointment.
Note: The image to the right is a CAD-CAM (Computer-Aided Design and Computer-Aided Manufacturing) machine used for the production of dental restorations.
1“Tooth fillings of the future may incorporate bioactive glass,” Oregon State University December 22, 2015, https://today.oregonstate.edu/archives/2015/dec/tooth-fillings-future-may-incorporate-bioactive-glass, accessed on October 24, 2016
2Liz Cass, “Fillings that heal your teeth – how regenerative medicine could change your visit to the dentist,” University of Nottingham, July 1, 2016, https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/news/pressreleases/2016/july/fillings-that-heal-your-teeth.aspx, accessed on October 24, 2016
Contact Stephen Ratcliff Family & Cosmetic Dentistry:
817-274-7875
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
909 W Mitchell St
Arlington, Texas
76013