Dr. Ruffo Figueroa became inspired after attending a conference in Brazil on the physical and chemical properties of cement in tissue regeneration. That was the spark that ignited the project to create the “magical” powder. From there, the professor took the idea back to the Catholic University of Santa MarÃa (UCSM), in Peru, where he led a team of experts to design a material that could regenerate dental tissue and eliminate bacteria.
Figueroa explained:
“The VITALCEM MTA helps to form a strong impermeable barrier inside the tooth in the presence of bacteria that cause damage.”
With equipment donated by the Happy Dent’s dental clinic, they conducted studies on the effectiveness of the product in rodents and its reaction in bacteria and human cells. The UCSM researchers took 13 years to accomplish the mission and finally patent their creation. They financed their research thanks to the Innóvate Perú program of the Ministry of Production. The final product is a fine powder that can be applied in areas with the presence of relative humidity, without losing its properties.
Magical Powder
What is it? It is a cement composed of calcium silicate, iron, aluminum, hydrated calcium sulfate, and others. It is called MTA (Mineral Trioxide Aggregate) in English, but the researchers call it VITALCEM.
What does it do? It regenerates dental tissue, eliminates bacteria, and faces periodontal diseases such as cavities. The powder allows for surgical interventions less invasive than traditional methods and for a cost four times lower than currently offered in the Latin American market.
It Works
To date, multiple clinical procedures have been performed to treat caries (cavities) and dental problems in infants and adults with favorable results.
UCSMÂ reported:
“Sebastian, 8 years old, almost lost a tooth. He had a deep cavity for abusing sweets. Researchers from the Catholic University of Santa Maria (UCSM) inserted a fine powder into the interior of the piece, which already had a hole. In a matter of time the tooth was cured and coated.”
The University hopes to have its magical powder available for the public soon so that they can apply it massively for the benefit of patients. However, this material is not yet in production or for sale.
According to statistics provided by the university, almost 100% of children have cavities, mainly because they consume too many products with high amounts of sugar. Unfortunately, only 60% of people in the country go to a dentist to get treated, largely due to high medical costs.
If the University can get this powder into production, its low cost would make it affordable for many of those poor children and adults to have the opportunity to get their teeth fixed and eliminate the need for tooth removal and false teeth.
