Non-thermal atmospheric pressure plasma (NAPP) application in dentistry

Abstract

Dental caries has been a worldwide problem for years, and the traditional way to treat this problem is mechanical removing, such as drilling, and filling. However, this method can easily over- or underestimate the seriousness of the caries, so that the
over-drilling or re-treatment often occurs. The research in recent years has shown that Non-thermal Atmospheric Pressure Plasma (NAPP) is able to decontaminate different type of bacteria effectively. This work generates helium and argon NAPP jets, and use the jets to treat Streptococcus mutans, which is recognised as the major bacteria that causes dental caries.

The results show that: 1. NAPP jet is able to decontaminate Streptococcus mutans; 2. Both helium and argon jet can be used to decontaminate Streptococcus mutans; 3. The decontamination is as effective as 6-log reduction in 3 minutes; 4. The
decontamination efficiency varies with sample conditions and plasma conditions. With this decontamination capability and efficiency, plus the other benefits of plasma decontamination such as completely contact free and easily reach the hardto-
reach area of the tooth, NAPP jet is a potential alternative method to treat dental caries with careful consideration in system fabrication in future work.