New plasma jet may replace dentist's drill

The space-age device fires a beam of electrically-charged oxygen atoms into tooth cavities to obliterate decay-causing bacteria.

Traditionally, the same job is done by drilling holes into the tooth that then has to be filled.

Unlike the dentist's drill, the plasma jet is non-invasive and pain-free.

A new study has shown that firing low-temperature plasma beams at dentine – the fibrous tooth structure below the enamel – can reduce bacteria levels by up to 10,000 times.

Researchers in Germany tested the effectiveness of the plasma jet against common dental bugs including Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus casei.

Both form films on the surface of teeth and are responsible for the erosion of tooth enamel and dentine that causes cavities.