Dental gel could end dental drill use

PARIS, July 27 (UPI) -- The dentist's drill may be thing of the past for smaller cavities thanks to a new dental gel that promotes regeneration of teeth, French researchers say.

The gel, containing melanocyte-stimulating hormone, works by encouraging cells in the tooth to multiply. The cells replace the cells in the decayed tissue and the tooth is restored to a healthy tooth.

Researchers at the National Institute for Health and Medical Research in Paris investigated the regenerative properties of the hormone and found it effective in producing new cells.

In addition to replacing traditional fillings, the gel may end the need for the dentist's drill in certain circumstances, but the treatment is not suitable for severe decay.

The findings are published in the American Chemical Society journal.