Diamonds are said to be a girl’s best friend. They are certainly a symbol of financial prosperity. Diamonds are even the hardest compound on earth. And, of course, they look gorgeous on a ring, bracelet, or necklace. You might think of diamonds on teeth as something that only a hip hop star might be able to pull off. However, UCLA researchers have recently experimented with diamonds as a means to promote bone growth and ad durability to dental implants. Libertyville cosmetic dentist, Dr. Brent Engelberg, will highlight this interesting new development in dentistry.
Nanodiamonds
Nanodiamonds are the byproducts of conventional mining and refining diamonds. Appearing in shape like little tiny soccer balls, these tiny jewels measure approximately four to five nanometers in diameter. Researchers at the UCLA School of Dentistry, the UCLA Department of Bioengineering and Northwestern University, along with collaborators at the NanoCarbon Research Institute in Japan, have been finding ways to utilize nanodiamonds to battle osteonecrosis (a potentially debilitating disease where bones diminish as a result of blood flow reduction). Osteonecrosis can effect basic functions like eating and speaking and allow teeth or existing dental implants to become loose or even fall out.
Rebuilding Strong Jawbones
Once bone loss occurs, treatment of missing teeth becomes more complicated. The UCLA research was led by Dr. Dean Ho, professor of oral biology and medicine and co-director of the Jane and Jerry Weintraub Center for Reconstructive Biotechnology at the UCLA School of Dentistry. Published in the peer-reviewed Journal of Dental Research, Ho’s team used nanodiamonds to deliver proteins deep within the jawbone. Though invisible to the human eye, nanodiamonds bind rapidly to bone but treat the area for a longer period of time. They can be administered non-invasively, via injection. Says Dr. Ho, “Initial studies indicate that they are well tolerated, which further increases their potential in dental and bone repair applications.”
Consult with your Libertyville Cosmetic Dentist
Is your smile as bright as diamonds? If you are in need of any cosmetic dental work, schedule an appointment with your Libertyville cosmetic dentist, call our 60048 dentist office at 847-259-8030. We are happy to serve patients in Northbrook, Deerfield, Highland Park, Wilmette, Winnetka, Glencoe, Vernon Hills, Lincolnshire, Libertyville, Skokie, Evanston, Palatine, Schaumburg, Elk Grove Village, Rolling Meadows, Northwest Chicago Suburbs, and Northern Chicago Suburbs.
