Abstract: A method of treating sensitive teeth includes (1) attaching a fluoride releasing glass composition to a person's tooth, and (2) allowing fluoride to be slowly released over time in order to reduce chronic and/or acute tooth sensitivity. A preferred glass composition comprises the general empirical formula given below, expressed in approximate weight percent of the element: P: 16-24, F: 5-30, O: 20-40 and at least one of Na, K, Li, or Al in an amount up to a total of about 40 weight percent and optionally, up to about 5 weight percent of boron and/or silicon.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
December 2, 2003
Date of Patent:
January 29, 2008
Assignee:
Teldent Ltd.
Inventors:
Brian Algar, Jack Toumba, Martin Curzon
Abstract: A glass composition having the general empirical formula given below, expressed in weight percent of the element: P: 16–24, F: 5–30, O: 20–40 and at least one of Na, K, Li or Al in an amount up to a total of 40 wt. % and optionally, up to 5 wt. % of boron and/or silicon. The composition may be used for the treatment and/or prevention of dental caries by providing a slow fluoride releasing device that may be attached to a tooth to release fluoride into the saliva or an individual.