Iranian scientists have recently registered the invention of silver nanoparticle-coated
gutta-percha, which can be used as an alternative to the existing tooth-filling
agents.
The new composite is reported to have anti-wear, antibacterial and antifungal
properties and therefore can be used in treating the tooth's root conditions.
"Following the detection of the antibacterial effects of the newly introduced
silver nano-particles, gutta-percha was coated with a thin layer of the
substance for the first time in the world," Seyed Omid Dianat, the inventor of
the new tooth-filling agent told Iranian Nanotechnology initiatives website.
Silver nanoparticle-coated gutta-percha has been reported to be effective in
tackling Staphylococcus aureus, E-coli, enterococcus faecalis and candida
albicans.
