Dental Filling

A study published in the journal ‘Colloids and Surfaces B: Biointerfaces’ reveals that graphene oxide could be used to make non–toxic and super strong dental fillings that do not corrode.

At present, the fillings are made from a mixture of metals such as copper, mercury, silver and tin or composites of powdered glass and ceramic. These fillings are not strong and hence, corrode over a period of time. In contrast, the graphene does not corrode and is about 200 times stronger than steel.

The idea behind the project was to introduce graphene into dental materials with graphene oxides’ cytotoxic properties to increase resistance to corrosion as well as to improve its mechanical properties. It will also allow scientists to test graphene for its compatibility with the teeth and toxicity to cells.