A LASER wand could replace the dentist’s drill if clinical trials beginning
next year are successful. The key is photodynamic therapy (PDT), in which light
activates a killer molecule that wipes out bacteria in decaying teeth.
In tests on extracted teeth, Mike Wilson and his team at the Eastman Dental
Institute in London have shown that PDT sterilises the infected tooth tissue.
Once teeth in people’s mouths are clear of infection, their bone tissue should
be able to regenerate itself.
The team also hopes PDT could help combat other infections, particularly the
hospital “superbugs” that are resistant to antibiotics. The…
