The dentist's drill could soon become just an unpleasant memory now that scientists have developed a technique to rebuild teeth using tiny electrical pulses.
The new treatment encourages the tooth to repair itself by speeding up the movement of calcium and phosphate s into the damaged tooth in a process known as Electrically Accelerated and Enhanced Remineralisation (EAER) .
"The way we treat teeth is not ideal," said Professor Nigel Pitts, from King's College London Dental Institute.
"When we repair a tooth by putting in a filling, that tooth enters a cycle of drilling and refilling as, ultimately, each repair fails.
"Not only is our device kinder to the patient and better for their teeth, but it's expected to be at least as cost-effective as current dental treatments."
Scottish company Reminova is trying to find investment to develop the technique. It hopes EAER could be available in three years if funding is available.