Probing
research to help sensitive teeth
Dental
directors – Professor Neil Meredith (left) and Dr
David Belford
A
new University spin-off company has been set up to develop
and market a method of measuring tooth sensitivity.
The
device is based on a diagnostic technique patented by
Professor Neil Meredith from the University's Dental Institute
which painlessly identifies areas and scale of sensitivity,
so the appropriate treatment can be selected.
Tooth
sensitivity affects around 20% of the UK population and
is due to the exposure of dentine on the root surface
of the tooth below the gum line, which is linked by minute
tubes directly to the nerve. Left untreated, the condition
can cause irreversible damage to the nerve of the tooth.
The device will measure the permeability of the dentine
by means of a sterile probe held against the surface of
the tooth.
The
company, D-Sense Ltd., is being backed by a £250,000 investment
by the White Rose Technology Seedcorn Fund. Considerable
interest has been shown in the technology by dental practices
in the UK and Europe and by specialist distributors to
the dental profession.
Professor
Neil Meredith said: "Our new probe will take just a few
seconds to accurately detect and assess sensitive areas
so that the patient can be treated appropriately as soon
as possible."
