A synthetic enamel for rapid tooth repair

Abstract

The conventional treatment of dental caries involves mechanical removal of the affected part and filling of the hole with a resin or metal alloy^1,2,3,4. But this method is not ideal for tiny early lesions^5,6 because a disproportionate amount of healthy tooth must be removed to make the alloy or resin stick. Here we describe a dental paste of synthetic enamel that rapidly and seamlessly repairs early caries lesions by nanocrystalline growth, with minimal wastage of the natural enamel.