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Routine dental cleanings may soon be taking an unconventional turn according to a recent article published in well-known technical journal, Science Robotics. Dentists, biologists and engineers from the University of Pennsylvania's School of Dental Medicine and School of Engineering and Applied Science have created a new breed of micro robots capable of removing plaque and tartar buildup from teeth.Delving into the Basics of Dental Buildup
By some scientific accounts, the average human mouth is home to as many as 6 billion bacteria. These microorganisms occur naturally the oral microbiome as well as the foods and beverages consumed on a daily basis. Saliva aiding in the digestive process mixes with these bacteria to form the sticky substance commonly known as plaque, which forms a white or pale yellow film on the teeth.
Regular brushing, flossing and other preventative measures help minimize the amount of bacteria and plaque buildup present in the mouth; however, the development of both is an ongoing process. Over time, plaque left behind after brushing and flossing can harden into tartar, a substance not removable by at-home dental maintenance. In order to eliminate tartar and reduce its negative impact on oral health, Ontario residents must search Sarnia Dentist Listings or other resources for effective professional intervention.
Traditional Teeth Cleanings
Currently, twice-annual professional cleanings consist of a few key steps. Hygienists generally remove plaque and tartar by scraping them away with a tool known as a scaler. From there, professionals commonly use high-powered toothbrushes and toothpaste slightly more abrasive than over-the-counter varieties to further eliminate unwanted buildup and particles. These steps are followed up by a fluoride rinse and applying substances designed to strengthen and protect the teeth.
Historic records began mentioning versions of this practice as early as 1013 B.C. though numerous improvements in technique and equipment have been developed over the centuries. After the late 1800s when definitive links were established among bacteria, buildup and tooth decay, more in-depth scaling and cleaning methods began to take shape. Of course, none have been quite as technologically advanced as this latest development.
Enter Micro Robots
As a result of the previously mentioned multidisciplinary research and development at the University of Pennsylvania, conventional scalers may soon be a thing of the past. Tiny robots designed for dental use are able to effectively remove bacteria and break down the framework of biofilms. Known as catalytic antimicrobial robots, or CARs, they are embedded in a specialized gel and applied to the teeth. Preliminary results show this approach to be not only safe, but more effective at removing buildup from difficult-to-reach areas of the mouth than current techniques.
Moving Forward
Those searching Dentist Listings by Sarnia Living need not expect micro robots to be part of their dental care regimens any time soon as the concept of using them in dentistry is still in its infantile stages. That being said, the team responsible for this latest advancement has already been awarded a grant from the Penn Center for Health, Devices and Technology to proceed with their research and development.
All Things Considered
At present, countless people are a bit leery of allowing a team of diminutive, artificially intelligent creatures to perform their dental work. Some skeptics are quick to point out certain science-fiction scenarios in which micro robots took a turn for the worse, such as nanomites attempting to destroy the world in G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra and an unsupervised science project involving nanites running amok on the Enterprise in one episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation.
Though authorities note these are extreme hypothetical situations, the actual technology behind micro robots is not far from reaching such potential. Robotics experts, engineers and a wide range of other specialists have been working for quite some time to develop micro robots for aiding in surgical procedures, repairing damaged tissue on the battle field, removing buildup in pipes and numerous other applications. As such, they could certainly be appearing in various branches of the medical field and other industries in the near future.
Contact Info:
Name: Andrew Powell
Email: Send Email
Organization: Sarnia Living
Website: https://www.sarnialiving.com/
Release ID: 88909540
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