Pain-Free Dental Filling Developed by IIT-M 

Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras (IIT-M) have invented a new formulation, which ensures pain-free treatment for dental filling decayed tooth, without shrinking.

Making use of inorganic fillers and unique organic resins. As compared to the currently utilized fillers available in the market, these fillers are biologically safe, as, unlike the currently used ones, these do not affect the endocrine system or cause any post-treatment sensitivity issues.

Dr. V Susila Anand, who is the professor and head, Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, Madha Dental College and Hospital, said, “Conventional dental composites shrink by up to 5%. It not only leads to post-operative sensitivity or pain, but also causes gaps between the teeth and fillings.”

The ingredients of the mixture are biologically safe, in comparison to the products available in the market. Dr. V Susila Anand, who is a professor and head, Department of conservative dentistry and endodontics, mentioned that there is a 5% shrinkage due to the conventional dental composites. Many patients may suffer post-operative pain or sensitivity. There may also be the formation of gaps between the fillings and teeth.

Dr. Anand, added that many experiments done on rats highlight that endocrine system can get affected by the chemical substances leaching from the fillings and may further target the sex hormones, apart from some more reactions that are potentially toxic. "The formulation is unique and does not leach chemical substances that have endocrine disruptive ability," she said, and added that,"The research has a three-pronged approach - to curb post-%operative sensitivity, shrinkage and improve biological safety”.

The researchers also mentioned that the materials used conventionally discharge many chemicals, and emanate heat while polymerization. This has the potential to harm the pulp tissue resulting in post-treatment complications. 50% lesser heat is released by the new composite, which ensures the safety of the pulp.

Mr. Venkatesh Balasubramaniam, a professor at Department of Engineering Design said, “Formulation of the new composites were put through rigorous chemical tests including the one to find its clinical impact on patients having multiple composite restorations after consuming liquor.”

“This was done to understand the stability of the composite network and the correlation of its leaching to biological safety," he added.