Breakthrough Gel May Heal Cavities

Discovery.com... how cool and cutting edge are they? Recently they've run a piece about a new gel that encourages teeth to regenerate after cavities have already formed. Shazam!

This innovative technology is essentially different from all other methods of dentistry currently available. Most dentistry has two main goals: to prevent decay from beginning, and if prevention fails, to restore the tooth by removing the decay and infection and sealing the tooth.

This new gel is something entirely different. Rather than removing decayed areas of the tooth and replacing it with composite filling material, this gel is placed next to a cavity. It is made of MSH (melanocyte-stimulating hormone), when it is applied, the cells inside the teeth regenerate in rougly a month, according to their study.

The gel is NOT a preventative measure, it will not stop tooth decay, but it will reverse it. It does not take the place of brushing and flossing. Just like the old sports adage "the best defense is a good offense", your best chances for a healthy mouth are daily brushing and flossing.

However, it will still be several years before this treatment is available.... but isn't the possibility of it cool?

Hopkins Aesthetic & Reconstructive Dentistry, Successful Mission Trip to Peru

We are pleased to announce that Dr. Mike's mission trip to Peru was a fantastic success. Dr. Hopkins traveled to Zapalla, Peru as part of a Rotary Club delegation that included a cleft palate team. They operated exclusively at the area's orphanage.

Dr. Hopkins treated 96 children during the two day clinic. All of the procedures performed were extractions, as time and equipment did not allow for more. All together, the Rotary team treated 226 dental patients and 14 cleft palate surgeries.

Dr. Hopkins and Dr. Lepeak, a long time dental friend, also brought nailpolish they had collected here in the United States, and had female members of the team polish the little girl's nails while they were in line for dental treatment.

Dr. Hopkins was also able to spend time in the orphanage visiting with the children and staff that live there. At the time of this blog, no plans have been discussed for next year's trip.